Chapter 24: Is the team leader dating someone?

With his marriage application finally approved, the tight string in Lu Huaijin’s heart loosened. Grinning from ear to ear, he ran straight to the training field.

Zhao Yipeng, the battalion commander of the 3rd Battalion under the 3rd Regiment led by Lu Huaijin, noticed his commander’s unusually radiant expression after visiting the commander’s office and immediately sensed something was off.

A few days ago, when the regiment commander returned from his hometown, he was full of energy and glowing. Not long after, however, he seemed restless and anxious for days, though no one knew why. Now he was back to being smug—something was definitely going on behind their backs.

And it wasn’t just Zhao Yipeng who noticed. Even the soldiers who had made mistakes during training felt something was different. Normally, they would be harshly scolded or even punished physically, but these past few days, there were no curses, no punishments. Instead, Lu Huaijin patiently corrected their movements one by one—gently.

Yes, gently. The word itself sent chills down their spines. Their tough-as-nails commander being “gentle” was downright creepy.

After training, everyone sat on the grass to rest. Zhao Yipeng wrapped an arm around Lu Huaijin’s neck and teased, “Commander, come clean. Are you dating someone lately?”

The surrounding soldiers immediately perked up.

“What?! The commander’s dating?”

“I bet it’s that comrade Yang from the Art Troupe!”

“Oh, please! That woman’s nose is so high it’s practically in the clouds. Our commander wouldn’t go for someone like that!”

“Come on, sir, spill it! Who is our sister-in-law?”

Only his orderly Wu Junmin knew about his engagement. Seeing everyone so curious, Lu Huaijin cleared his throat.

Ahem. “I’m getting married. My marriage application has already been approved.”

Everyone was stunned.

“For real, Commander? You’re getting married?!”

“Sir, you really kept this under wraps—silent but deadly!”

“Where’s she from? Is she pretty?”

“When’s the wedding? We’ll be there for the banquet!”

Lu Huaijin answered each question patiently, and just thinking of Jiang Peiyu’s cute face melted his heart.

“She’s from my village, very beautiful.”

“As for the banquet, I’m not sure yet. I’ll let you all know.”

“Alright, break’s over. Everyone, line up!”

Meanwhile, Jiang Peiyu had finished writing her reply and planned to mail it the next morning when they went to town to sell melons. She pulled out a new sheet of paper and began writing an anonymous report.

Xia Zhihao, Chen Hui, Xia Lizhu—you want to destroy me? I’ll make sure you never rise again.

The next morning, Jiang Yuwen and Jiang Peiyu set off for the city on the ox cart to sell melons. Peiyu slipped away to the post office and mailed two letters—one to the military, the other anonymously to the local government.

That afternoon, when they returned after selling out, they found Xia Zhihao’s car already parked at their gate.

When Peiyu entered the house, the couple were sitting in the living room, both looking grim. Seeing her, Xia Zhihao handed her an envelope.

“Here’s 5,000 yuan. I hope you’ll keep your word—take the money and come with me now to the police station to withdraw the case.”

Jiang Peiyu opened the envelope and checked the contents—seemed fine.

“It’s too late today. I’m tired. But don’t worry, I’m not heartless like you. Since I’ve taken the money, I’ll go to the station tomorrow morning. You can relax.”

Xia Zhihao didn’t say a word, got up, flung his hand, and walked out of the Jiang house.

Chen Hui gave her a vicious glare before leaving.

“You better go to the police first thing tomorrow. Otherwise, don’t blame us for being ruthless… hmph!”

Peiyu looked at her leaving figure and found it amusing. I hope you’re still feeling this arrogant when you wake up tomorrow.

Ruthless, huh? I’d love to see how ruthless you can be.

Three days later, gossip spread like wildfire across the streets:
The textile factory director Xia Zhihao was convicted of embezzling over 27,000 yuan in public funds and sentenced to three years in prison, with all his assets confiscated.

His family was assigned to manual labor in the remote northwest, and after release, Xia himself would also be sent there for reformation through labor.

Peiyu was very satisfied with this outcome.

Back at the army base, Lu Huaijin had been eagerly waiting every day for a letter from his fiancée.

One day, as Zhao Yipeng passed by the communications room, a clerk stopped him with a letter. As he picked it up, he saw another letter—addressed to Lu Huaijin.

“Commander! Look what I’ve got—your fiancée wrote you a letter!”

Seeing the envelope in Zhao’s hand, Lu Huaijin jumped up and lunged for it.

But Zhao dodged skillfully.

“Hey, everyone! The commander’s got a love letter from his fiancée!”

“Should I read it out loud for everyone?”

“Yes! Captain Zhao, read it!”

“Yeah! We’ll hold down the commander, you read!”

All the soldiers swarmed in, pinning Lu down so he couldn’t snatch the letter.

With training so intense and little entertainment in the military, the soldiers’ biggest joy was reading mail—not their own, but others’, especially if it was a love letter.

Fearlessly, Zhao opened the envelope and pulled out the letter.

“Wow, her handwriting is beautiful.”

“Read it, sir, quick!”

“Yeah, hurry, or we won’t be able to hold him!”

“Alright, alright, here goes…”

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Dear Huaijin,
The joy of receiving your letter is as if seeing you again in person. Everything is fine at home, no need to worry.
Though it’s hot in summer, I still go to the city every day with second brother to sell melons—it’s a fulfilling life.

Every day you’re in the army, I think of you. I understand a soldier’s duty and sacrifice and know how hard you work. I believe you’ll achieve great things in the military.
No matter where or when, I’ll be by your side, supporting you.

Words are too short for what I feel—every day without you, I miss you dearly. You’re not only a hero of the people, but the hero of my heart. I’m so proud of you.

And yes, I’ll obediently stay home and wait for you to come marry me. Love you lots!

There’s so much more to say. Please take care of yourself.
Yours, A-Yu
August 7, 1980

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“‘Love you lots… Commander, I’ll wait for you to come marry me…’ HAHAHA!”

Zhao Yipeng burst out laughing, teasing him mercilessly.

Lu Huaijin broke free, tackled Zhao to the ground, snatched back the letter, and carefully folded it before placing it in his breast pocket.

Then he turned to his troops.
“Attention!”

“20-kilometer weighted march—right now.”

“Zhao Yipeng, 30 kilometers. No food until it’s done!”

With that, he walked off, leaving the soldiers groaning in unison on the field.