One of the sharp-eyed platoon leaders gasped sharply, exclaiming, "Commander Chen...Commander Chen?!"
That shout was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake!
Several officers instantly recognized the "extraordinary man" with dog ears and a long tail as Shen Huaichuan, a renowned combat hero and regimental commander in their military region!
After the initial shock came suppressed laughter.
Several young men, their faces flushed red and their shoulders trembling like leaves, rushed forward to salute, their voices shaking: "Greetings, Commander!"
But his eyes couldn't help glancing at the dog's ears and tail.
Shen Huaichuan's face instantly turned as black as the bottom of a pot under the dog head mask!
Just what I feared most has come to pass!
He nodded stiffly in response, wanting nothing more than to disappear on the spot.
The platoon leader, barely suppressing a laugh, asked cautiously:
"Commander, we...we took an hour off to come out and take ID photos. Um...um...could we...take a picture with you?"
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I can brag about this for half a year when I get back!
Shen Huaichuan felt a throbbing sensation in his temples.
reject?
Seeing the admiration in the eyes of his young men, he resignedly closed his eyes and squeezed out two words through gritted teeth: "...Hurry up!"
Zhou Qiqi quickly said from the side, "Huaichuan, go and change your clothes!"
Shen Huaichuan, however, had given up all hope and, with his dog-like head protruding, said in a muffled voice:
"What are you talking about? This is it! Tell them to leave as soon as they're done filming, don't waste any more time!"
Their military region has strict management, and they can't usually leave. It's not easy for an ordinary soldier to get an hour's leave, and not a minute can be wasted.
These clothes are complicated; changing them and tidying them up will take at least ten minutes.
In those ten minutes, they could also go to the department store across the street to buy some candy or snacks and get some fresh air.
I don't know when I'll be able to come out again.
Zhou Qiqi was somewhat surprised by Shen Huaichuan's decision.
She still remembers how much effort it took her to convince him to wear this outfit!
I never expected that an exception would be made for a few lowly soldiers.
She finally understood why Shen Huaichuan was so strict in training, yet still so beloved by the soldiers.
This man is truly remarkable in every way.
Zhou Qiqi looked at Shen Huaichuan with tenderness in her eyes.
Upon hearing this, the junior officers were overjoyed! They were so happy they almost jumped for joy!
They swarmed around in a flash, and under the old master's guidance, quickly posed with Chen, the group leader dressed in a big yellow dog mascot costume and looking utterly dejected, at the center.
A few clicks of the shutter captured this "precious" moment, one that would be etched into the annals of their company's history.
The background is a backdrop of Tiananmen Square, and the foreground is the heroic Commander Shen with his dog ears and tail.
After taking the group photo, a new recruit, probably a little too excited, looked at Zhou Qiqi, who was dressed in a cat costume and smiling broadly, and the adorable Zhouzhou, and blurted out in a moment of impulsiveness:
"Commander, could your wife and child come with us too...?"
Before he could finish speaking, he was silenced by a murderous glare from Shen Huaichuan, even though it was through a dog's head.
"Aren't you in a hurry?"
Shen Huaichuan's voice was chilling.
"Yes, Commander! Thank you, Commander! Goodbye, Sister-in-law!"
The officers were startled and immediately stood at attention, saluted, suppressed their laughter, quickly took out their money, and darted out of the photo studio like rabbits.
Watching them disappear outside the door, Zhou Qiqi playfully punched Chen Huaichuan's furry "dog arm":
"Why are you so fierce? You've scared the children."
Turning to Qin Lei, he said:
"Stone, quick, go to the car and get a few bags of the nougat I made yesterday, and take them there."
Qin Lei suppressed a laugh and ran out in response.
Soon, the young officers' surprised and delighted voices of thanks echoed through the alley.
This unexpected "fan meeting" has finally come to an end.
Shen Huaichuan and Zhou Qiqi quickly took Zhouzhou to change out of the mascot costume. Only after Shen Huaichuan put on his own Zhongshan suit did he feel like he had come back to life.
After changing their clothes, the family returned to the counter to pay.
The old craftsman clattered away on his abacus, chuckling happily as his eyes darted between Zhou Qiqi, Zhouzhou, and Shen Huaichuan, clicking his tongue in praise.
"Comrade, your family is truly the most spirited and photogenic family we've ever had since our photo studio opened! Look at them, the man is dashing and handsome, the woman is gentle and beautiful, and the little girl is like a fairy from a painting! Especially that last one, the 'glowing little mushroom,' oh my, it's absolutely amazing!"
After finishing the calculations, he didn't rush to report the numbers. Instead, he rubbed his hands together, his face beaming with a warm yet pleading smile, and said to Zhou Qiqi:
"Miss, can I ask you for a favor? The photos you took today, especially those special ones, are fantastic! I was thinking, could you print a couple more large prints and put them in our shop window? Let everyone see them, and they'll bring some prestige to our little shop! Don't worry, I'll definitely give you a discount! I'll waive the express fee and even throw in a large solid wood frame! How does that sound?"
The old master craftsman's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
He could tell at a glance that the woman in front of him was the one in charge of the family.
But upon hearing this, Zhou Qiqi instinctively looked at Shen Huaichuan beside her.
Although Shen Huaichuan didn't speak, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, clearly indicating that he was reluctant to have his photo displayed in the shop window for people to see.
Especially considering that it might include that "big yellow dog" outfit.
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