The train had been traveling for several hours when Jiang Wanqing fell asleep leaning on Cheng Ran's shoulder. He had originally planned to take a nap as well, but his soldier's vigilance told him that someone was watching them.
He suddenly opened his eyes and met the eyes of the person in front of him.
"What do you want to do!"
"It's nothing, comrade, don't misunderstand. I just thought you two were extraordinary and a perfect match, so I took a second look. I've traveled all over the country, and this is the first time I've seen such a perfect couple. People always love to appreciate beautiful things, hehe."
The man scratched his head, and seemed a little shy after speaking. Cheng Ran almost accused him of being glib, but considering his past experiences, she decided against it...
What do you do for a living?
Cheng Ran was still uneasy and naturally wouldn't be fooled by his few flattering excuses. In case he really was a scoundrel, she wanted to be prepared to deal with him early.
“Uh…” The man smiled and said, “My surname is Zheng. I don’t have a proper job. I’m just a peddler who goes from street to street, doing things to help the villagers.”
After scrutinizing him again, Cheng Ran became increasingly distrustful of his words. From his clothing and behavior, there was no indication that he had any connection with the profession of a peddler. Either he was being wary of strangers and concealing his true intentions, or he was lying.
"So what are you going to do?"
"Hey, it's almost the end of the year. I'm out here trying to make a living. Don't be fooled by my smart clothes. They're all for the New Year. They've been worn for ten or fifteen days and they're already stale. Only you, comrade, don't look down on someone like me."
"Hmph," Cheng Ran chuckled ambiguously. "That mouth of his is quite something; he can't tell the difference between truth and lies. If it were someone else, they might have fallen for his enthusiasm."
What are you talking about?
Jiang Wanqing blinked her sleepy eyes.
"Just chatting, did I wake you up?"
"No, I wasn't actually asleep."
Cheng Ran naturally smoothed her messy hair and took out some dry food and water from his bag, handing them to her.
"Eat something."
She hummed in agreement, admitting she was indeed hungry. She took the packet and ate a few bites. There was also a packet of candy; she could smell its sweet aroma even before putting it in her mouth. The child in the team leader's seat watched, his mouth watering. The mother of the child next to her patted him on the shoulder.
"Don't be greedy, that belongs to someone else."
She had just unwrapped a piece of candy, and before even eating it, she tried to hand it over.
"Here you go, little one."
The child glanced at his mother, hesitant to accept the gift, and Jiang Wanqing smiled kindly at the woman.
"Let the child take it. It's just a piece of candy. I'm a teacher myself, and I won't do anything to the child."
Upon learning that she was a teacher, the child's mother's eyes no longer showed wariness towards strangers, but rather respect.
"Thank you, comrade," she said, handing the candy to the child.
"These candies are sold out so badly, and they're expensive too. Your husband is so good to you."
Cheng Ran narrowed his eyes, put away his things, and cast a scrutinizing gaze over him.
He bought the candy at a state-run department store. The salesperson said it was a new product and not yet widely available. Even if he were a peddler, he wouldn't know so much about it; he wasn't just hearing about it, but stating it with certainty.
Jiang Wanqing glanced at Cheng Ran, and neither of them spoke...
After a bumpy ride, when the couple got off the bus, Comrade Zheng also got off at the same stop. The couple quickened their pace and walked away.
Hung Hing and Molly knew they were coming back today, so they were already waiting for them at the station entrance.
"Brother Cheng! Sister-in-law! Over here!"
Outside, Hung Hing followed Cheng Ran's advice and kept a low profile, so they didn't use any titles or ranks. They jumped up and waved to them from afar, their wheat-colored skin shining brightly in the winter sun.
The two walked over with smiles, and Molly immediately took Jiang Wanqing's arm.
"You're finally back! I missed you so much!"
Jiang Wanqing smiled helplessly: "I've only been gone for a few days."
As the old saying goes, "A day apart feels like three autumns!"
“I agree with Molly,” Cheng Ran surprisingly added.
"Look, look... What did I tell you? Battalion Commander Cheng must miss you even more than I do when he can't see you."
Molly's eyes were mischievous and playful as she twirled her side ponytail and spoke in a teasing tone.
"That person..."
Hung Hing, who originally wanted to join in the teasing, saw a person standing on the station steps who was looking in their direction and immediately pointed in that direction.
The group turned around at the same time. Cheng Ran frowned, and the man surnamed Zheng waved at him.
He nodded slightly and quickly said to Hung Hing and the others, "Let's talk in the car."
After the jeep had driven some distance, Hung Hing looked back in the rearview mirror and could no longer see anyone.
"Battalion Commander, who is that person? Why does he seem to be staring at you and your wife?"
"We met on the train, only exchanged a few words," Jiang Wanqing replied, then looked at Cheng Ran: "What do you think?"
She's just an ordinary person, so it's unlikely that anyone would target her. Cheng Ran is different; he has a special identity, and if he were to be targeted, it wouldn't just be a personal matter.
"It's better to be careful."
He answered cautiously, because it was unacceptable to convict someone based on mere speculation; he had to take precautions first.
"you're right."
Molly waited until they finished speaking before interjecting, hesitating for several seconds.
"Wanqing, that...my letter..."
"Oh, I almost forgot." Jiang Wanqing slapped her forehead, took out a reply letter from her bag and handed it to Molly: "I visited your parents before I came back. I gave them your letter. They asked me to give this to you."
"Thanks!"
Molly's eyes sparkled with joy as her friend remembered to pass on the letter. She held the letter like a precious treasure, close to her heart.
"The college entrance exam results will be released soon. If I can get into a university back home, my parents won't have to live apart from me anymore."
Her gaze seemed to drift into the distance, and her words were full of anticipation for the future. She didn't notice that after she finished speaking, Hung Hing turned his head and glanced at her, a slight smirk playing on his lips.
"Don't worry, it will definitely turn out well," Jiang Wanqing comforted her.
"Yeah, it would be best if we went to the same school as Wanqing, then we could see each other more often. I'll take you to my house for dinner, my mom's cooking is amazing!"
When her parents were mentioned, Molly's face was full of joy. Hung Hing listened quietly without saying a word, concealing the bitterness that occasionally surfaced in his eyes.
The south is warmer than the north, and as spring gradually arrives after the New Year, willow branches sprout tender green buds...
The college entrance examination results were released as scheduled on a sunny day. Before Jiang Wanqing could even go to see them, people flocked into the family compound to offer their congratulations.
The sisters-in-law of each family... and her students, their voices could be heard before they were seen.
"Comrade Wanqing... Great news! You came in first place!"
"Teacher Jiang, you're amazing! You got first place in the college entrance exam!"
"In ancient times, this would have been the top scholar in the imperial examination!"
"Comrade Wanqing... are you home?"
The enthusiastic and lively sounds outside the door were endless. Jiang Wanqing had expected this, and even if she heard it from others, she was more calm than excited.
She opened the door, and there were people of all ages outside, their eyes filled with nothing but envy and admiration.
"Thank you, sisters-in-law, for bringing me this first joyous occasion of the new year," Jiang Wanqing said with a gentle smile.
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