Chapter 81 Special Military Wife, Her Glory

Su Wanqing channeled all her worries and yearning into a calm and resilient strength, diligently managing her career, providing warmth to the military families around her, and silently guarding him from afar. The days slipped by quietly amidst busyness and waiting, like a quietly growing kapok tree, standing tall in the wind and rain, its branches and leaves growing more luxuriant, its heart growing stronger.

She's no longer just "Mrs. Huo," but Su Wanqing, a designer who has earned respect through her ability and dedication. She's become the trusted "Teacher Su" and "Sister Wanqing" of military families. Though small, her "Watcher Design" studio has successfully solved the practical challenges of bedding comfort for several grassroots units. Several of her designs, both practical and thoughtful, for military families, have been piloted and promoted in service centers, earning widespread acclaim.

This change is subtle but cannot be ignored.

That afternoon, Su Wanqing was revising a design for improved cold-proof gloves designed for border outposts in the studio. Assistant Chen, who rarely informed her in advance, drove directly to the studio downstairs.

"Sister-in-law," Assistant Chen's expression was more serious than usual, even with a hint of subtle excitement. "Please get ready. The chief... Mr. Huo wants to see you in an hour."

Su Wanqing's hand, gripping the pen, suddenly paused, and she looked up in surprise. "Grandpa? You want to see me?" Mr. Huo lived a secluded life, his status detached. Even at the reunion party, she had only greeted him from afar, never summoned to see him in person. Furthermore, at this sensitive moment... her heart couldn't help but leap.

"Yes. The car is waiting downstairs." Assistant Chen's tone was firm, but there was a hint of encouragement in his eyes. "Please change into something more formal."

Su Wanqing suppressed her surprise and anxiety, quickly changed into a simple and elegant casual outfit, and followed Assistant Chen into the car.

The car didn't drive to the Huo family's old house, but instead drove directly into the military compound and stopped in front of a solemn office building. Assistant Chen led her in silence, past layers of checkpoints, and finally to a spacious, yet unusually sparsely furnished reception room.

Mr. Huo did not sit in the main seat, but stood by the window, looking out with his hands behind his back. Hearing footsteps, he slowly turned around.

The old man was still vigorous, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, and he looked intimidating without even getting angry. But at this moment, his weathered face didn't have the usual hardness. Instead, it held a complex, scrutinizing expression tinged with a touch of gentleness.

"Hello, Chief." Su Wanqing calmed herself down and stood at attention respectfully to greet him.

Mr. Huo nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, as if reassessing something. He cut straight to the point without any pleasantries, his voice steady and forceful, "Tingxiao's mission has reached its most critical stage. It's arduous, but progressing smoothly."

Su Wanqing's heart suddenly tightened, and her fingertips pinched her palm slightly, but she tried to remain calm on the surface and just nodded lightly: "...Thank you for telling me, Chief."

"You've done a great job at home during this time." Old Master Huo changed the subject, his eyes sweeping over her, his tone carrying a subtle hint of approval. "I've heard the rumors in the compound. You've taken the trouble to take care of the military families. And your studio... is good, it's a real thing."

Su Wanqing was stunned. She had never expected the old man to pay attention to such trivial matters, and even give her approval. She didn't know how to respond for a moment, so she could only bow slightly and say, "This is what I should do."

Mr. Huo walked to the table, picked up a document and handed it to her: "Take a look at this."

Su Wanqing took it with both hands, opened it and her pupils suddenly contracted!

It was a specially numbered commendation notice issued by the Military Region Political Department. The title read: "Decision on Awarding Comrade Su Wanqing the Honorary Title of 'Model Special Military Wife' and Commending Her with Third-Class Merit"!

The notice detailed her recent achievements: actively participating in the design of improved military uniforms and winning international awards, contributing to improving the comfort of individual soldier equipment; proactively caring for and supporting military families in the compound, organizing mutual aid activities, effectively stabilizing the rear and alleviating worries for soldiers on the front lines; and establishing the "Watcher Design Studio," which focuses on serving soldiers and their families and has received widespread acclaim from the grassroots.

Every word and sentence is clear and accurate, and stamped with a bright red official seal, representing the highest official recognition!

Su Wanqing's hands trembled slightly, her breathing became rapid, and her eyes instantly turned red. She raised her head and looked at Mr. Huo in disbelief.

The old man's eyes were deep as he spoke slowly, "This medal of military honor is half Tingxiao's, and half yours. This isn't just talk. You've proven with your actions that a military wife in the new era can not only protect her family, but also support everyone else, using her knowledge and abilities to make tangible contributions to strengthening the military."

He paused, his tone growing more serious. "This honor wasn't given to you out of respect for me or Tingxiao. You earned it! You earned it with your perseverance, your talent, and your dedication! You truly deserve the title 'Special Military Wife'!"

"Special Military Wife"... This is not just a title, but also a high recognition and a heavy responsibility!

The immense shock and sense of honor washed over Su Wanqing like a tsunami, leaving her dizzy and almost speechless with excitement. She had never imagined that such insignificant things she had done would be so solemnly commended, even... commended!

"Chief... I... I didn't do anything..." Her voice choked.

"No need to be modest." Old Master Huo waved his hand, his eyes sharp. "This is the organization's decision. Tomorrow morning, there will be a commendation meeting in the headquarters auditorium. You will go on stage." His eyes swept over her and added, "Dress smartly."

Su Wanqing's steps were still a little unsteady as she left the office building, her heart still pounding as she clutched the heavy copy of the commendation decision. Assistant Chen, observing her excitement, also smiled heartily, "Congratulations, sister-in-law! You deserve it!"

The news spread throughout the compound as quickly as if it had wings.

The next day, the auditorium of the military district headquarters was filled with solemnity and dignification, with the audience filled with officers of all ranks and representatives of their families.

When the host announced in a loud voice: "Next, please invite Comrade Su Wanqing, the 'Model Special Military Wife' and recipient of the third-class merit, to come on stage!", the whole audience instantly fell silent, and all eyes were focused on the figure who slowly stood up from her seat.

Su Wanqing, dressed in a neatly ironed uniform, stood tall and straight, her steps steady. She took a deep breath, suppressed her excitement and nervousness, and walked towards the podium. The light shone on her, and her face flushed slightly, but her eyes were clear and resolute, carrying the composure and strength of someone who had weathered many storms.

She received the bright red certificate of honor and the heavy Third Class Merit Medal from a military commander. The medal felt cool against her palm, yet it felt like it was scorching hot, burning deep into her heart.

Below the stage, Xia Xiaoran was so excited that she clapped her hands vigorously, her eyes red; many military wives who had received her help also had tears in their eyes and clapped their hands vigorously; even some people who had been prejudiced against or looked down on her in the past now had complex and admiring eyes.

She didn't give a lengthy speech. Instead, she spoke her simplest words into the microphone in a clear, slightly trembling voice: "I'm grateful for the organization's recognition... This honor doesn't belong to me alone. It belongs to all the military wives who have silently and selflessly contributed... I will continue to work hard and do my best to be a qualified military wife."

As soon as he finished speaking, there was thunderous applause that lasted for a long time.

At this moment, she was no longer a shadow dependent on Huo Tingxiao's halo, but had won her own undisputed glory and respect through her own efforts and contributions - Su Wanqing!

After the commendation ceremony, Su Wanqing returned home, still feeling restless. She carefully placed the certificate and medal in a prominent spot on her desk. Looking at the bright red and gold, she felt a heavy sense of responsibility on her shoulders.

In the evening, the encrypted dedicated phone at home suddenly rang.

Su Wanqing's heart skipped a beat and she almost rushed over to answer the phone.

On the other end of the line, the background noise was a bit noisy, seemingly mixed with the sound of wind and the distant roar of machinery. A low, slightly hoarse voice, the one she missed day and night, came over, with a subtle hint of fatigue, but remarkably clear:

"Wanqing."

“…It’s me!” Su Wanqing held her breath instantly, her heart beating wildly.

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds, as if to confirm that the line was secure. Then, his deep voice sounded again, with a complex and deep emotion she had never heard before:

"I understand about the commendation."

He knew! On such a distant and tense front, he actually knew!

Su Wanqing's nose felt sore, and she choked up, "Hmm..."

There was another brief silence, broken only by the crackling of electricity and vague noises in the distance.

Then, she heard him take a deep breath, as if he had exhausted all his strength. His voice was low and slow, and each word came clearly through the microphone:

"Proud of you..."

These four short words were like a powerful electric current that instantly struck Su Wanqing! She could no longer control her tears and they burst out violently!

This was him! The cold, hard, and sparse-spoken Huo Tingxiao! He was the one who said, "I'm proud of you!"

All the waiting, all the worries, all the efforts and grievances, at this moment, seem to have received the best rewards and comfort.

"You... must be safe too..." She burst into tears and could only express her deepest concern with sobs.

"Yeah." He responded softly, his voice seemed a little softer. "Soon. Wait for me to come back."

The phone was hung up and a busy tone sounded.

Su Wanqing held the microphone for a long time, letting her tears flow freely, but the corner of her mouth raised the brightest and happiest smile.

A special military wife, her glory.

This honor came not only from the organization's recognition, but also from his heavy, heartfelt words on the smoke-filled battlefield thousands of miles away.

Proud of you.

At this point, all her perseverance and dedication have had the most perfect meaning.