Chapter 34 Lu Huaijin is back

“Everyone, carry a 30-kilogram load for 30 kilometers every day—for half a month…”

“Aww no, Commander…!”

“Commander, have mercy…!”

“Please spare us, Commander…”

“…Say one more word, and I’ll add ten more days.”

…

Instantly, everyone went silent. They glanced at the time—if they wanted to make it to dinner, they needed to pick up the pace right now.

That night, Lu Huaijin lay in bed, clutching tightly the letter Jiang Piyu had written him. He had already read it countless times that evening. And each time he read it, he could feel her tenderness and affection flowing between the lines.

Moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow across the bed and highlighting Lu Huaijin’s strong yet slightly gentle face. He carefully savored every word of the letter. The neat and graceful handwriting was just like his A-Yu herself, as if she were right in front of him, speaking softly. His heart beat faster.

It was as if something had struck his chest—his heart brimmed with longing for her.

“Huaijin-ge…”
That familiar and affectionate way she started her letter always made Lu Huaijin smile without fail.

“I really want to go home and see her soon,” he murmured to himself.

There were still more than twenty days until the New Year. Time had never felt so slow to him. But this time, every day felt like a year.

“A-Yu, wait for me. When I come home for New Year’s, I’ll marry you.”

That thought grew more and more firm in Lu Huaijin’s heart. He couldn’t wait to give Jiang Piyu a happy, complete family and make her his rightful wife. He wanted to bring her to the army with him as a military spouse so they’d never be apart again.

Thinking this, Lu Huaijin carefully folded the letter, tucked it under his pillow, and sat up. Gazing out at the night sky, his heart was filled with anticipation.

Day by day, the New Year drew closer. Jiang Piyu was beginning to feel a faint sense of excitement—Lu Huaijin should be coming back soon.

Business at Baiguo Paradise was booming, and they had lots of repeat customers. Hoping to earn more during the New Year rush, Jiang Piyu had custom fruit gift boxes made at a carton factory. The boxes were printed with Baiguo Paradise’s logo and New Year greetings, making them perfect for gifting to relatives, lovers, or parents.

With four days left until New Year’s Eve, Jiang Piyu set up a table at the shop entrance, covered with a red cloth. Each type of gift box had two samples on display—one opened to show the contents, one sealed upright beside it.

A sign at the entrance read:
“Baiguo Paradise New Year Fruit Gift Boxes Now Available”
12.80 yuan per box — Buy 1, Get 1 Free — Choose any style — Limited to 200 boxes — While supplies last!

She also hung a small blackboard on the wall, listing all gift box varieties in chalk—single, double, triple, and quadruple fruit assortments.

At first, Jiang Yanwen and the others thought 12.80 per box was too expensive and feared they wouldn’t sell. They were worried the fancy packaging would go to waste.

To their surprise, as soon as the boxes went on display, curious customers started swarming in—some regulars, some passersby, some doing business in the city. After hearing Jiang Piyu’s persuasive pitch and experiencing her warm service, people couldn’t resist.

All 200 gift boxes sold out in under three days. Some even came after they were gone and felt disappointed they missed out.

On the 29th day of the lunar month, after working their final shift, Jiang Piyu gave her cousin Li Junhao and Lu Shuangyan time off for the holiday. From New Year’s Eve to the sixth day of the New Year, they had a full week off. She also gave them each two fruit boxes and a full month’s salary as a year-end bonus.

The two were thrilled and promised to work even harder after the holiday.

Her family agreed that on New Year’s Eve, they would open the shop for half a day, then go home in the afternoon to prepare for the festivities.

That morning, business was unexpectedly good. Many people came to buy fruit to cut up and enjoy that night during the New Year’s vigil.

After a full morning of busy sales, Jiang Piyu finally had a chance to catch her breath. She stretched her arms long and wide, sighing in relief. Casually glancing outside the shop, her eyes suddenly widened.

There, leaning against a green military jeep, was Lu Huaijin, wearing his army coat. He was smiling warmly, looking straight at her.

“Huaijin-ge!”

Jiang Piyu lit up with joy. Like a happy little deer, she dashed toward Lu Huaijin and threw herself into his strong arms without hesitation.

“You’re back already? Why didn’t you tell me in advance—you’re so sneaky!” she said playfully, tilting her lovely face up at him with a slight pout.

Her cheeks were a soft pink, as delicate and vibrant as peach blossoms in spring, making her all the more beautiful.

Lu Huaijin smiled and wrapped his arms gently around her. After days of longing, his heart finally felt at peace. He had found his safe harbor, the place where his soul could finally rest.

“I just arrived,” Lu Huaijin said softly, gazing down into her eyes. “I wanted to surprise you.”

“Then wait for me a bit, okay? Let me close the shop, and we’ll go home together.”
Jiang Piyu looked up at him sweetly, her heart filled with happiness like it had been dipped in honey.

“Mm, okay, I’ll wait for you.”

“Do you want to come inside the store and sit for a bit?”

“No need, I have something to take care of. I’ll come pick you up later.”

“Alright, I’ll head back to the shop then.”

“Mm, go ahead.”

Jiang Piyu happily ran back into the store. Her eldest brother, Jiang Yanshu, was sorting out the fruit—picking out the ones that were starting to spoil so they could take them home and eat them for New Year’s, rather than letting them go to waste.

“Big brother, what time are we closing up to go home today?” she asked.

Jiang Yanshu glanced at the clock on the wall. It was just past 1 PM.

“Let’s close at 2. I’ll be done sorting these by then.”

“Oh, okay. I’ll go upstairs to pack my things. There aren’t any customers right now. If someone comes in, just call me.”

“Alright, go ahead.”

After speaking with her brother, Jiang Piyu went upstairs and packed some of her personal belongings. She brought down a bag and placed it behind the counter.

Just before 2 o’clock, Lu Huaijin drove back again. He stood leaning against the back of his military jeep, arms crossed, waiting for her.

Jiang Yanshu finished up his cleaning, shut off the water and electricity, and checked the store one last time. Everything looked fine, so he closed up shop for the New Year holiday.

Jiang Piyu came out carrying her belongings and two boxes of fruit gift sets. Seeing her come out, Lu Huaijin immediately strode over and took the items from her hands, placing them in the back seat of the jeep.

When Jiang Yanshu saw Lu Huaijin, a big smile lit up his face. He stepped forward warmly to greet him.

“Huaijin, you’re back!”

Lu Huaijin nodded at the sound of Jiang Yanshu’s voice and replied, “Mm, just got back today, Brother Yanshu.”