Shen Liwu raised her head, met his gaze, and smiled slightly, “No need, go and get busy, I’ll wait for you here.”

"Captain Zhou, no, it should be Deputy Regiment Commander Zhou. You can go without worry! Your wife is being taken care of by all of us, don't worry. We promise that not a single hair of hers will be missing when you come back." Zhang Damei on the side urged.

Zhou Yanjing nodded, turned and walked to the center of the banquet hall.

His figure stood out among the crowd, and his steps were steady and calm. Shen Liwu's eyes followed his back until he was surrounded by a group of people, and then she withdrew her gaze.

"Deputy Captain Zhou's wife, I can tell from the first glance that you two have just gotten married. Look at the look in Deputy Captain Zhou's eyes, he seems to wish he could hold you in the palm of his hand." Zhang Damei said with a smile, her tone full of teasing.

Shen Liwu's cheeks were slightly red, she lowered her head, her fingers gently twisted the hem of her skirt, and her voice was soft, "It's not that exaggerated."

"Oh, you're still shy!" Another sister-in-law next to her also laughed, "You young couples are like this, so sweet that people envy you."

Shen Liwu only felt that her face became even hotter, but her heart felt as sweet as if it were filled with honey.

She looked up at Zhou Yanjing in the crowd. He was talking to several officers with a serious expression, and his every move showed calmness and majesty.

However, while he was speaking, he seemed to feel her gaze, and turned his head slightly to look in her direction.

Their eyes met in the air, Zhou Yanjing's lips curled up slightly, his eyes so gentle that they seemed to melt the ice and snow.

"Look, Deputy Captain Zhou can't wait to fly back to you!" Zhang Damei laughed even louder.

Shen Liwu pursed her lips and said softly, “Sisters-in-law, please stop laughing at me.”

"Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore." Zhang Damei patted her hands and said in a gentle tone, "The ceremony is about to begin. Your deputy head Zhou is about to go up. Take a good look."

Shen Liwu nodded, the host on the podium had already started speaking, and the noise in the banquet hall gradually died down. Everyone's eyes were focused ahead, waiting for the formal ceremony to begin.

Shen Liwu sat in his seat, his eyes still glancing at Zhou Yanjing from time to time.

He stood on the stage, his posture as straight as a pine tree, his shoulders broad, giving people an invisible sense of security.

"Dear leaders and colleagues, we are gathered here today to witness the glorious moment when Comrade Zhou Yanjing was promoted to deputy head of the delegation." The host's voice was loud and powerful, echoing throughout the banquet hall.

There was thunderous applause, and everyone looked at Zhou Yanjing on the stage with smiles on their faces. Shen Liwu's heart also rose, and his palms were slightly sweaty. She watched her leader personally put the badge on him, his expression solemn and dignified.

"Here, on behalf of the organization, I would like to express my warm congratulations to Comrade Zhou Yanjing!" As soon as the host finished speaking, warm applause rang out from the audience again.

Zhou Yanjing gave a standard military salute, his eyes swept across the people in the audience, finally stopping on Shen Liwu.

"First of all, I would like to thank the organization for its trust and training, and thank my comrades for their support and help." His voice was low and powerful, and every word was clearly heard by everyone present.

Zhou Yanjing stood on the stage, his eyes deep and firm, his voice as steady as a mountain. "Standing here today and accepting this honor, I feel both excited and responsible. The trust of the organization and the support of my comrades have enabled me to reach this point today. I know very well that this is not only a recognition of my personal ability, but also an increase in the responsibility on my shoulders."

Until the end of his speech, every word he said made her feel extremely proud, as if the praise and applause were meant for him.

After Zhou Yanjing finished his speech, thunderous applause broke out again in the banquet hall. He walked off the stage and walked straight towards Shen Liwu.

The surrounding officers and their families made way for him, their eyes filled with respect and envy.

Zhou Yanjing walked to Shen Liwu, gently held her hand, and rubbed the back of her hand with his fingertips, with a hint of apology and tenderness in his eyes.

"Sorry to have kept you waiting."

Shen Liwu looked up at him, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, “Deputy Captain Zhou, I’m proud of you.”

Zhou Yanjing's eyes softened, and he whispered, "Having you by my side is my greatest pride."