Chapter 44 The leader specifically requested a performance, but the attempt to steal a chicken backfired!
The deputy commander's voice was like a thunderclap from a clear sky, exploding in everyone's ears.
"You're the one who should dance!"
"As the grand finale!"
Upon hearing this, Wenxue's face drained of all color.
She orchestrated this humiliation, yet she personally built a stage for Jiang Wu to be the center of attention!
She tried to steal a chicken but lost the rice instead; that perfectly describes her current state.
"Sir, this...this isn't in accordance with the rules, is it?" Wen Xue tried to make one last attempt, "She...she's not a member of our cultural troupe, she's just a family member..."
"Rules?" The deputy commander frowned, glancing at his daughter with displeasure. "What are rules? Our army's cultural performances are meant to come from the masses and go back to the masses! Whoever has the ability can perform! Can't our army even tolerate a talented family member?"
These words left Wen Xue speechless, her face turning a deep purplish-red.
The deputy commander ignored her and turned to look at Jiang Wu, his expression becoming kind and amiable again.
"Young comrade, don't be nervous. My surname is Zhang, and I am the deputy commander of this division."
"Hello, Commander Zhang," Jiang Wu replied politely, her breathing having calmed down.
"Your dance was excellent, very captivating!" Commander Zhang praised enthusiastically. "I can see that there's something of your own in it. Tell me, how did you come up with this choreography?"
All eyes were on Jiang Wu.
Jiang Wu had already prepared her answer in her mind.
She couldn't very well say that this was a modified version of the basic seductive techniques of the Hehuan Sect, could she?
“Reporting to the commander,” she said, organizing her thoughts, “I just feel that the Red Detachment of Women are not only soldiers, but also women first and foremost. The strength of women is not just about being tough and strong, but also about being as resilient as water. So I thought, could we add some more graceful movements that better reflect the characteristics of women, and use this combination of strength and gentleness to express their rich inner world and strong revolutionary beliefs?”
These words are both theoretically sound and easy to understand.
Commander Zhang nodded repeatedly, his eyes filled with even greater appreciation.
"Good! Well said! A perfect balance of strength and gentleness! That's a great phrase!"
He turned to look at Qin Lie behind him and burst into laughter.
"Qin Lie, you're really hiding your true abilities! You married such a precious girl who's both scholarly and martial, and you kept it a secret instead of reporting it to the organization sooner!"
Qin Lie felt very comfortable after being praised, and he straightened his back.
He walked to Jiang Wu's side, and very naturally reached out to put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her half into his embrace.
That gesture was full of the implication of declaring sovereignty.
"Reporting to the commander, my wife is shy and doesn't like to show off." Qin Lie grinned, looking proud.
His possessive attitude, as if to say "This is my wife, no one can take her away," made everyone around him laugh.
Commander Zhang pointed at him, laughing and scolding, "You little rascal!"
Then, he solemnly gave Wenxue an order.
"Comrade Wenxue, Comrade Jiang Wu will be the lead dancer for this program. All departments—costume, music, lighting—music, and all other departments—must fully cooperate with her! We must make this program a masterpiece for our regiment, and even our entire division! Do you understand?"
"...Yes, I understand." Wen Xue squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth, her head lowered, and no one could see the resentment and unwillingness in her eyes.
That's how it was settled.
Jiang Wu went from being a "family member" who helped look after costumes to becoming the lead dancer for the final performance of the Mid-Autumn Festival Gala.
This dramatic reversal has become a hot topic of conversation.
The female soldiers who had initially looked down on Jiang Wu now surrounded her, calling her "Sister Jiang" and asking her for dance moves with great enthusiasm.
The incident did not embarrass Jiang Wu; instead, it helped her gain a firm foothold among the younger generation in the compound, earning her the respect and admiration of everyone present.
After rehearsal, Qin Lie couldn't wait to drag Jiang Wu away for some alone time.
His precious child was "frightened" today, and he needs to comfort him.
Just as the two reached the door, Commander Zhang called them back.
"Qin Lie, wait a moment. Comrade Xiao Jiang and I have a few more words to say."
Qin Lie's smile froze slightly.
Jiang Wu stopped in her tracks, somewhat puzzled.
Commander Zhang dismissed everyone else, leaving only the three of them in the rehearsal room.
He looked at Jiang Wu, and his gaze was no longer one of simple admiration, but rather one of scrutiny and consideration.
"Comrade Xiao Jiang, your theory of 'combining strength and gentleness' that you just mentioned is very insightful. It's clear that you're not just doing this casually; you have your own artistic pursuits."
"You flatter me, sir." Jiang Wu was a little apprehensive, wondering what this leader was up to.
"Our troops now need ideological liberation and artistic innovation. Especially in artistic propaganda work, we can't always stick to the old ways."
Commander Zhang paused for a moment before finally revealing his purpose.
"Your dance is very captivating and has given me a lot of inspiration. Our department really needs someone like you."
Qin Lie's heart sank.
He had a bad feeling.
Sure enough, Commander Zhang's next words confirmed his premonition.
"Comrade Xiao Jiang, have you ever thought about contributing to the army in a different way?"
He looked at Jiang Wu with a burning gaze.
"After the party, let's have a proper talk about your... development."
"For example, would you be interested in working in our division's cultural troupe?"
P.S.: Two more chapters to go.
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