Chapter 49 He Hongyuan proves his ability with his own actions (revised ending)

Lin Xiang stared up at the man on her body in a daze, with a puzzled look in her eyes: "You are not drunk?"

He Hongyuan smelled strongly of alcohol, but his expression was completely normal at the moment. He did not look at all as drunk as he had been at the banquet before.

He raised his eyebrows slightly, and Lin Xiang understood without waiting for the man to answer.

"Were you pretending to be drunk just now?" Lin Xiang was indeed surprised. He Hongyuan had always been sharp and tough, and he would not beat around the bush. She had never expected that he would do such a thing. "I had never thought that our leader He would pretend to be drunk~"

Facing the undisguised teasing of the woman under him, He Hongyuan curled his lips and said, "Today is a different day. We can't let that gangster make mistakes."

Lin Xiang smiled and said, "You are flexible and know that today is a happy day."

If the wedding day really ended with the groom being drunk, Lin Xiang would naturally be helpless, but it would inevitably leave some regrets.

"That's not what I'm talking about." He Hongyuan corrected her with a serious expression.

"Hmm?" Lin Xiang didn't understand what He Hongyuan meant until she looked into his eyes for a few times. It seemed that she saw a raging fire in his dark eyes. Her mind suddenly exploded. This guy...

This person is talking about the wedding night!

Waves of heat crept up Lin Xiang's cheeks, and Feixia dyed the woman's white skin red. He Hongyuan stared at Lin Xiang under him, and saw that her face was like peach blossoms, with a faint red in the snow. His heart beat heavily again, completely out of control.

He slowly leaned over, his movements were extremely slow, a speed that the usually swift and powerful Captain He had never moved before. Lin Xiang could feel the distance between them getting closer and closer, their breathing gradually collided, and even the air became thinner.

Her slender fingers curled up and hooked onto the bright red bed sheet beneath her body. This bed sheet was chosen by Lin Xiang herself. It was the charming red color unique to weddings, and a pair of mandarin ducks were outlined on it with golden thread.

As if the two people at this moment.

The pale face grabbed the bed sheet tightly, causing the red spot to spin in a mess.

He Hongyuan stopped when he was just a few feet away from her. The man's bony hand gently touched her lips, and his rough fingertips lightly touched the bright red lipstick: "What's on here? Very red, very fragrant."

The lipstick Yan Min sent was a cosmetic specially approved for the art troupe's performances. It was a domestic brand, bright red in color, and exuded a faint rose scent.

Lin Xiang opened her red lips slightly, and the movement of opening and closing her mouth kept brushing against the man's fingers.

"I put on some lipstick, which smells like roses." One always wants to dress up when getting married, but one dares not put on too much makeup, for fear that being too ostentatious might give someone a handle and lead to the investigation.

"Really?" He Hongyuan's fingertips felt numb and tingling as Lin Xiang's warm lips brushed against them, causing him to shudder. He leaned over to pick them up, and a low, hoarse voice suddenly rang out. A few short words flowed between their lips and teeth, "I'll taste it."

Phnom Penh at the end of October was no longer as hot as it was in midsummer, and the autumn breeze was refreshing. However, the temperature in the clean and tidy two-story building was gradually rising, making it unbearable to feel the heat.

The man seemed to have taken off layers of disguise and kissed her anxiously and fiercely. He sucked open the woman's teeth with a reckless attitude, entwined her lips and tongue, and stubbornly exchanged their breaths.

The temperature rose steadily as the two people's breaths collided. The large double bed was covered with layers of red waves. White military uniforms and red wedding dresses were scattered on the ground at the end of the bed, entangled, and it was impossible to tell the red from the white.

......

Lin Xiang woke up in the second half of the night.

The body's consciousness awakened before the mind's, and the whole body felt sore and limp, and then all kinds of images flooded into the mind...

He Hongyuan proved himself to be capable.

The man beside me was breathing heavily. He held me with one hand, generously offering his neck to me for leaning on. The other hand was around my waist, holding it tightly, not letting go even in my sleep.

Thinking of the previous scenes, Lin Xiang's face turned red again and again, and her heart was raining. She also thought of the man's forceful and long penetration, and sometimes gentle and coaxing. She felt sleepy, and moved her body closer to He Hongyuan, burying her whole body in his chest. She put her hands on the man's naked upper body and lightly touched the faint scratches on the tight muscles.

Well, this time she not only touched the abdominal muscles, but also left a lot of shallow scratches on the body.

How can this not be considered progress?

++++

The two of them had one day off as a couple, and they slept particularly soundly after their wedding night. Even He Hongyuan, who always got up early for training, rarely found himself still in bed at eight in the morning.

He Hongyuan lowered his brows and gazed calmly at the woman who was still sleeping. Lin Xiang in his arms might have been tired. She was soundly sleepy, and her fair cheeks were flushed. Her curled eyelashes were quietly raised high, like two small fans sweeping away the shadows under her eyelids. The delicate and delicious lipstick had been tasted up, leaving only the light pink color of her lips, which made her look cute enough.

He Hongyuan did not disturb her. He leaned over and gently kissed Lin Xiang's lips before standing up.

When Lin Xiang woke up from a deep sleep, it was already ten o'clock in the morning.

She was too exhausted last night. The soreness in her body honestly reflected the intensity of the battle. Lin Xiang moved her body with difficulty, changed her clothes and got out of bed. When she looked up, she saw the blue sea and sky outside the balcony window of the master bedroom.

The sea in autumn is also beautiful. Different from the hot and brilliant sea in summer, when the scorching sun shines in the sky and casts golden light, the sea in autumn is more stable and peaceful, as if it is opening its most gentle embrace to the world. The autumn wind blows, and there are no waves or disturbances.

Lin Xiang smiled from the bottom of her eyes. While looking at the sea, she gathered her black satin hair into a braid and tied it loosely behind her head. She really lived the life she had always dreamed of, waking up to face the sea.

Hearing some noise coming from downstairs, Lin Xiang ran straight to the living room and saw that the man seemed to have regained his usual seriousness and was cleaning the bathroom.

Hearing the sound of someone coming downstairs, He Hongyuan looked up and imprinted the appearance of his wife in his eyes: "Are you hungry? Keep your breakfast warm, I'll bring it to you."

Lin Xiang was indeed hungry. The two of them had a great time yesterday evening, ate a little and chatted, and then had some intense activities at night. How could she not be tired and hungry?

The new square table made by the old master is square, with smooth corners, and auspicious cloud patterns carved on all four sides, which is very beautiful.

He Hongyuan peeled the salted duck eggs that his mother had brought him, and served them on the table along with the porridge he had cooked in the morning and a dish of diced pickled vegetables.

"Have you eaten it?" Lin Xiang took the porridge and took a sip first. It warmed up her limbs and made her feel comfortable.

"I haven't eaten yet. I'm waiting for you to join me." He Hongyuan has always been used to being alone, but from this day on, he wanted to have someone to eat with and live with every day.

"You should eat it yourself, no need to wait for me." Lin Xiang bit into the salty duck egg white, and the salty aroma instantly rushed into her mouth.

The duck eggs are pickled, the egg whites are soft and dense, and the egg yolks are golden and oily. Take a light bite, and the oil will slowly flow out. It is sandy and smooth, and it can arouse endless greed.

Lin Xiang ate a salted duck egg with her porridge and felt satisfied.

Not long after the two of them finished breakfast, He Guifang came over. Today she had to cook in the couple's home, which was both festive and festive. She went out early in the morning to buy food. Having lived in the inland for many years, He Guifang had never seen so many seafood before. The two large ponds were full of aquatic creatures. She only knew fish, shrimps, and crabs, but was not familiar with the others. She picked and chose and bought a yellow croaker and a bag of shrimps. She also heard a military wife next to her exaggerate that a black, spiny thing was delicious, so she bought four of them with some doubt.

She deliberately walked around a little longer, thinking that the two of them should get together before going to the house.

"Mom, you bought so many things so early. I'm in for a treat today." The son was as energetic as usual, but also seemed a lot more calm. There was even a hint of tenderness in his eyes and brows, and he didn't look as sharp as before. When he arrived at the gate of the yard, he took all the seafood and vegetables in his hands and went into the house.

Aunt He looked into the house: "Where's Xiangxiang? Is she up?"

"Get up." He Hongyuan carried all the things into the kitchen and shouted upstairs, "Xiangxiang, mom is here."

Soon, there was movement on the stairs. Lin Xiang, who was applying lotion on the second floor, came down quickly. The hem of her red shirt fluttered like a fluttering butterfly. "Mom, you're here. Have you had breakfast? I still have salted duck eggs. Can I heat them up for you?"

"We've eaten." Seeing her daughter-in-law's bright and charming smile, He Guifang was even happier. "I bought some food and started cooking here today. Uncle Hongyuan and his family will come over at noon to have some fun."

It was the first formal meal in the new home. Aunt He was not prepared to let the young couple cook, but she could not resist the two of them who rushed to the kitchen.

Especially after she bought this black thing covered with thorns, she could only stare at it and was helpless.

"Oh, I really shouldn't have bought this. Is this really edible?"

Lin Xiang took a quick look and realized that it was sea urchin!

In later generations, sea urchins were sold for 30 yuan each, but my mother-in-law bought four for only one cent. How can I get justice for this?

"Mom, I'll make the sea urchin. Just steam it with eggs."

He Guifang and He Hongyuan took care of other dishes, killing fish, steaming shrimps, and stewing chicken soup. Lin Xiang was processing sea urchins on the side. The waters near Langhua Island are rich in seafood, and sea urchins are juicy and fat. After digging out the sea urchin meat, pour in egg liquid, garnish the sea urchin meat and put it in the pot and steam it for a few minutes.

When the dish is taken out of the pot, a fresh aroma wafts out, a mixture of the delicious and oily taste of sea urchin and the tenderness of egg, with a fresh aroma spreading everywhere. Finally, sprinkle with tender green onions and a few drops of sesame oil. Wow, perfect!

At lunch time, Zhou Shenghuai and Zhou Yuezhu both came back from get off work in the army. It was the first time for everyone to eat Shanghai urchin steamed eggs. They didn’t expect that such a scary and ugly thing tasted so delicious. Four sea urchins were not enough, so each of them ate half one with relish.

After dinner, Zhou Shenghuai asked his nephew, "Did you do that at Hongfei?"

Zhou Shenghuai also found out today that his nephew Zhou Hongfei was locked up in the guesthouse for most of the day yesterday, and started swearing when he came out.

Zhou Shenghuai knew He Hongyuan, and he was most likely the one who did it.

He Hongyuan admitted it frankly: "It won't be so easy next time."

Zhou Shenghuai choked up. He had originally thought that if Hong Fei had really caused trouble at the Hong Yuan banquet yesterday, he, as his uncle, would have to control him. However, he did not expect that this boy would take precautions and strike first.

He still remembered the look on Hongfei's face yesterday afternoon when he complained to him and said that someone must have framed him, and that he had serious suspicions about Hongyuan.

"Dad!" Zhou Yuezhu carefully visited his cousin's house and returned to the living room. He quickly caught the key information of the conversation between his father and cousin, and ran over with a proud look on his face. "I also had a part in locking Zhou Hongfei in the room. I made him so tight that he couldn't open the door without much effort!"

Zhou Shenghuai: "..."

This girl!

Forget it. Hongfei left in anger yesterday. Before leaving, he threatened to tell his father about how He Hongyuan treated him. I think he was going to make a big fuss so that his second brother would teach Hongyuan a lesson and feel sorry for himself.

——

Lin Xiang was busy with her wedding, and after learning that Zhou Hongfei had been punished, she didn't have the heart to care about this man. With only half a day of wedding leave left, she went to the seafood station with her mother-in-law in the afternoon. In order to have sea urchin steamed eggs for lunch, she bought seven more sea urchins, kept three for herself, and steamed the remaining four to send to her neighbor next door as a return gift.

The plate was filled with steaming sea urchin steamed egg and a few wedding candies, making it a generous treat.

Jiang Wenfang, the next-door neighbor, congratulated the newlyweds when she saw them coming to visit. She went to greet them with her almost six-month-old belly. Three young ladies gathered around her, attracted by the fragrance of the flowers.

"Captain He, Comrade Lin Xiang, congratulations to you. Are you getting used to living here now?" Jiang Wenfang spoke in a gentle and polite manner, and her smile was even more kind, making people feel close to her.

Lin Xiang smiled and nodded, passing the plate over and saying, "I'm used to it. Everything here is nice. By the way, Sister Jiang, I was too busy yesterday, and I don't know if I got the wedding candies for you. Give them to the three little girls to try. There are also a few steamed eggs with sea urchin. Eat them while they're hot."

Jiang Wenfang had never bought this thorny thing before, and she had never thought that it could be eaten like this, but the fragrance in her nose would not deceive her: "You are so polite."

At this time, Instructor Sun was still in the army. Jiang Wenfang left one for the man and ate three for herself and her three ladies. The fresh, tender and delicious steamed egg with sea urchin was so stunning that everyone's eyes widened.

"Mom, it's delicious!" The eldest child in the family smacked his lips, looking very satisfied.

"Yes, Aunt Lin Xiang next door is really good at cooking."

Lin Xiang and He Hongyuan sent Jiang Wenfang a return gift, and then thought about packing up the remaining two kilograms of wedding candy to distribute at work: "I grabbed several kinds of candy and divided them into two portions. We can each take one, as a token of our appreciation."

When He Hongyuan saw his daughter-in-law planning the interpersonal relationships, he felt a warm feeling in his heart. This showed that she was wholeheartedly planning for this small family.

"Okay, I'll remember to take it with me when I leave tomorrow."

"Oh, and this." Lin Xiang was a sentimental person, especially when someone showed kindness to her, she would always remember to return it. "Yan Min gave me some lipstick yesterday. Can you help me give this to Political Commissar Zhang and bring it to Yan Min? We'll invite them and Chief of Staff Jiang and his wife to our house for dinner some other day."

He Hongyuan took the handkerchief, not knowing what was wrapped inside. He thought it was a return gift prepared by his wife, so he accepted it immediately.

On the second day after returning to work after her wedding leave, Lin Xiang returned to Factory 2 with a pound of wedding candy and distributed candy to everyone she saw. The workshop was suddenly filled with laughter and joy.

Most of the workers in the workshop had been married for many years, so it was no problem for them to tease the newlyweds. Especially the older sisters became more and more explicit in their talk, so Lin Xiang immediately found an excuse to escape.

I really can't handle everyone's enthusiasm!

Marriage is a major event in life. As time goes by, marriage will eventually be written down as the daily necessities of life.

Lin Xiang quickly came back to her senses from her status as a newlywed. After all, there was not even a honeymoon these days. How could she have the time to enjoy her new marriage when she was working every day?

The coconut juice from the second factory has been on the market for a few days, and people still don’t know how it’s selling. The order for 300 bottles was sent to major department stores, and it’s not being sold on the island. Generally, someone from the grain and oil company will contact them within a week. If it’s selling well, they’ll increase the order quantity. If it’s selling poorly, they’ll simply refuse to give them another chance, and they’ll have nowhere to sell it.

Just as the 119 Second Factory was rubbing its hands and waiting for news, everyone learned the news from the Shiwei Food Factory first.

"Have you heard? The Grain and Oil Company is not allowed to sell coconut water with edible smell." Qiu Hongxia found out the news. She had followed Zhao Jianjun into the city to sign contracts for the Grain and Oil Company in the past. She became somewhat familiar with the gatekeeper of the Grain and Oil Company by distributing melon seeds to people and talking to them to make friends.

This time I went around to ask when I entered the city. The security guard didn't say much, just said that the popularity of Shiwei has plummeted. I heard that the coconut water was not selling well, so the new flavors were not allowed to be sold.

If the grain and oil companies have sentenced you to death, you will have nowhere to sell your products even if you produce them. If you dare to sell them privately, you will be considered a private business and will be banned by the higher authorities.

Someone was excited: "That's great! If they can't sell it, it's a good thing for us!"

Some people are also worried: "Maybe the people in Phnom Penh don't like to buy coconut juice. If their coconut water can't be sold, will our coconut juice be able to sell?"

As I was talking, I began to feel uneasy.

Lin Xiang disagrees. The coconut juice from her factory is much better than the crudely processed coconut water in terms of appearance, color, texture and taste. The coconut water with added flavors even destroys the original sweetness of coconut water. It is not only superfluous, but also almost a reverse optimization.

It is normal that such coconut water does not sell well.

"We'll have feedback in three days, so don't scare ourselves." Lin Xiang comforted the worried worker, "Our coconut juice tastes much better, and it's definitely better than food."

When it comes to the taste of food, people’s confidence is back!

That’s right!

Lin Xiang talked with the workers in the workshop for a while, but when she returned to the office, she didn't see Director Zhao. Kong Zhenzhen had finished taking off her labor insurance gloves and was sewing insoles recently. In short, she always had work to do. Opposite her, Ma Defa, with a world-weary face, was muttering poems of struggle. He was still a living man in thought but a living dead in appearance.

"Sister Zhenzhen, where is Director Zhao?" Lin Xiang stared at Kong Zhenzhen's craftsmanship, and found that her needlework was amazing.

Kong Zhenzhen, who was busy with her work, quickly raised her head and said, "She left with a sad face."

Under the Alsophila spinulosa tree in a remote corner of the second factory, a circle of white smoke was rising. Zhao Jianjun was puffing out smoke under the tree with a frown on his face.

"Director Zhao." Lin Xiang had never seen Director Zhao, who was always cheerful and humorous, so worried. It seemed that the military warrant he had signed in front of a factory leader in order to sell coconut juice was too stressful.

"Oh, Xiao Lin." Zhao Jianjun threw the cigarette butt on the ground, and the ashes and smoke disappeared with a step of his Liberation Shoes. He looked up at Lin Xiang and regained his friendly and relaxed look. "Why are you here?"

"Director Zhao, are you worried about the coconut juice...?"

Before Lin Xiang could finish her sentence, Director Zhao waved his hand to interrupt her: "Why should I worry? Even if the sky falls, it won't hit me. I have someone to support me. Don't worry about it."

Lin Xiang didn't want to expose Director Zhao's thoughts, so she just followed his words and said, "You are right, and I believe our coconut juice will definitely sell well."

Zhao Jianjun didn't know how this 20-year-old girl could be so calm and confident that the coconut juice would sell well. No matter how confident he was, he couldn't help but feel nervous: "If it really doesn't sell well, I can't let the grain and oil company return it to us. Then I must let the vice president of the grain and oil company repay my great kindness."

Lin Xiang didn't know whether to laugh or cry. The only kindness Director Zhao had shown to the deputy general manager of the grain and oil company was a portion of stir-fried wild vegetables 30 years ago, or a few bites of the big pot of rice that were eaten by others.

Director Zhao imparted life experience to Lin Xiang: "We must be able to bend and stretch. Remember this kind of thing. We must cultivate the friendships that we should cultivate!"

Lin Xiang: Thank you for your advice!

——"Director, Director Zhao!"

While the two were talking under the tree, they suddenly heard Qiu Hongxia shouting everywhere, as if there was something urgent. When they walked back to the workshop, Lin Xiang saw a man wearing black-rimmed glasses and blue work clothes appearing in the factory. On his chest were large words sewn with white silk thread - Phnom Penh Grain and Oil Company.

Someone from the grain and oil company is here?!

Zhao Jianjun invited everyone into the office and asked Ma Defa to make some strong tea. Lin Xiang and Kong Zhenzhen were also waiting on the side to hear the arrangements.

Each of them had different personalities, and they didn't know why the grain and oil company came to their door at this time.

The coconut juice from my factory has only been on sale for four days, and I have to wait another three days until a week to decide on the date for the subsequent trial sale.

"Director Zhao, this time I came here to talk to you about the 119 coconut juice." The visitor was a clerk from the Product Inspection Department of the Grain and Oil Company.

Zhao Jianjun's heart tightened, and his heart was in a state of ups and downs. He swallowed his saliva and said, "Zou, what exactly is going on?"

"The coconut juice from your factory is selling very well. People are praising it. Several department stores sold out 300 bottles in just four days." Official Zou did not expect that the seemingly ordinary coconut juice could have such power. In recent days, it has even surpassed the orange soda that has always been people's favorite. It is really strange.

The most important thing is that the Food Taste Food Factory just tried to sell a new coconut water, and it was a complete failure. People who bought it gave poor feedback, saying it was not as good as picking a coconut from a tree and drinking it. Some people with bad tempers even demanded compensation.

Even with the previous experience of the food taste, the grain and oil companies were not optimistic about the new coconut juice sold on 119. Unexpectedly, the results of the trial sale were so different!

When Zhao Jianjun heard what Zou said, his heart suddenly settled down. Kong Zhenzhen beside him took a deep breath in excitement, and the movement was so loud that several people looked at her.

She smiled shyly: "You guys continue talking."

Lin Xiang secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Confidence is one thing, but finally hearing a positive answer is another!

They have taken a solid and steady first step!

The next thing was simple. The Grain and Oil Company asked Factory 119 No. 2 to place additional coconut juice orders. While expanding the supply of coconut juice to major department stores, it also gradually moved towards supply and marketing cooperatives in all counties and cities throughout the city. There were hundreds of them, large and small.

The coconut juice blended independently by the second factory has finally stood up!

Zhao Jianjun, who had reached an agreement with the grain and oil company, was busy arranging production tasks. He reduced the production of the original pear soda and focused on the production of coconut juice.

Director Zhao ran to the factory with a swagger, his face flushed with ruthlessness, and shouted to everyone he met: "Hey, isn't this Lao Zhao? How did you know that our coconut juice is selling so well that we need to increase production?"

"Xiao Qin, have you eaten yet? Yes, yes, I haven't eaten yet. The grain and oil company came to our house to ask for more coconut juice. We are working so hard in the factory that we don't have time to eat."

"By the way, is Secretary Tang in the office?"

"Oh, he's not here. I'll come look for him later."

......

Lin Xiang knew that Director Zhao had gone to the factory to show off at lightning speed, especially wanting to show off in front of Secretary Tang, and she almost laughed out loud.

After strolling around the factory, Director Zhao, who was almost flying high, gave Lin Xiang the second life lesson: "We should seize the opportunity to show off when it is time to do so. No matter what happens in the future, we must not let go of this opportunity to show off!"

Lin Xiang: I have learned a lot again!

The second factory has been assigned the task of producing a new order. This time, they need to hire people to help pick coconuts. This is actually easy to do. Just report to the Labor Bureau and do odd jobs, just like the piece-rate odd jobs provided to the five-guarantee households or unemployed comrades in the city in the past. Such jobs are only available occasionally and are very popular. Everyone is scrambling to sign up.

Factories cannot directly handle the issue of hiring workers, otherwise they may be accused of hiring workers to exploit the working people, which is a capitalist mistake. Everything must start from collective action.

It costs one cent to pick ten coconuts. Factory 2 has set standards for picking coconuts. The coconuts must be intact. Those that are too dry, cracked, or thin will be rejected. For unemployed comrades, this is undoubtedly a good part-time job to supplement their family income.

The Eight Immortals crossed the sea, each showing their magical powers. For a time, a coconut picking craze arose on the island.

Kong Zhenzhen and Lin Xiang are in charge of registering and counting the coconuts that are brought in for exchange. Hundreds of coconuts are collected and piled up in the warehouse. They come in an endless stream, and workers work non-stop to cut the coconuts to pour out the juice, dig out the coconut meat, and then send the coconut meat into the equipment to crush and squeeze the juice. The equipment on the production line operates in an orderly manner, and bottles of milky white coconut juice are transported and capped on the conveyor belts, and finally packed by the workers at the end.

Lin Xiang and Director Zhao discussed the optimization details of the production process: "Director, we still need to replace our equipment. For example, the first step of cutting and drilling the coconuts is too labor-intensive. I wonder if the factory director has found out if there are any vacancies?"

Director Zhao thought that this was indeed a waste of time: "Old Huang is on a business trip to Shanghai this time. If he can't get a quota to purchase equipment, how can he have the face to come back and face us Jiangdong elders?"

Lin Xiang: ...You are indeed the courageous Director Zhao!

Two days later, Director Huang returned from a business trip to Shanghai. When he was preparing to hold a leadership meeting at Factory 1 to share the results of the project, he suddenly remembered something and said to his secretary, "Xiao You, please inform Factory 2 that they have found their new equipment. I will contact them after I finish my work here."

++++

After get off work on Saturday, Lin Xiang rode her bicycle to the supply and marketing cooperative after a busy week. She had just received her October salary the day before yesterday, and the bonus from the second factory had increased slightly. Lin Xiang's wallet was full, and her savings continued to rise. Orange soda and pear soda were gradually falling with the help of the Shiwei Shrimp Sauce Factory. Under normal circumstances, the bonus would have to be reduced to its original level next month, but with the bonus from coconut juice next month, it would definitely rise.

Using the newly issued cake and candy tickets, Lin Xiang weighed half a pound of chicken cake and half a pound of nougat. She then bought a bag of prawns at the seafood station before riding her bicycle back home.

There was a cool breeze all the way, making it comfortable and pleasant. The climate in Langhua Island in November was pleasant, neither too cold nor too hot, which was a good time.

The door of the small red building was wide open. My mother-in-law, He Guifang, was busy in the house, digging the ground with a hoe in one hand, working very hard.

The Chinese have strong vegetable-growing genes and can grow vegetables wherever there is land.

He Guifang was completely relieved to see her son complete his lifelong event when she came to Langhua Island. She cooked for her son and daughter-in-law every day and provided logistical support for them. In her spare time, she would feel itchy when staring at the spacious front yard of the small building.

It’s such a good place, it’s a shame not to grow vegetables!

He Guifang acted as soon as she said it. These few days, she borrowed a hoe and dug and leveled the soil by herself. She also asked her son to buy some vegetable seedlings from the army's kitchen team that was in charge of raising pigs and growing vegetables.

Look, there is smoke rising from the kitchen, wild vegetable soup is being cooked, and the dough is ready. She seizes the opportunity to come out and do some more kneading.

"Mom, have you planted the seedlings?" Lin Xiang used to like to plant some flowers and vegetables in her spare time, but she only planted them in small pots in the cramped rental house. In big cities, land is very expensive, so how could she afford the luxury of having a spacious courtyard?

Wow, now you own it!

"Yes, Xiangxiang, come and have a look. These are loofah seedlings, these are eggplants, and those along the wall are spring onions." Aunt He put down the hoe and watered the seedlings again. She turned around and remembered something and slapped her thigh, "Hey, my dough balls!"

He Guifang hurried to the kitchen and stretched the noodles into lumps. She put the lumps one by one into the boiling wild vegetable soup without worrying about the shape. He Guifang was deft and could stretch the noodles into a thin layer. After putting them into the pot, they were spread out and floated in the water, one piece after another, like a boat sailing on the lake.

Lin Xiang couldn't help but take a deep breath when she smelled the fragrance, and put the prawns in the sink to prepare them: "It smells so good, mom, you stretched the dough really well."

"Hongyuan has loved eating this since he was a child. Eat more later. Mom's noodles are pretty good."

Lin Xiang agreed with a smile, cleaned the prawns, prepared the seasonings, and slid the solidified pork fat into the red-hot iron pot. Soon, white smoke rose up, the smell of the pot rose, the scarlet chili was wrapped around the shrimps and stir-fried, and the greasy prawns gradually exuded a fresh fragrance.

A plate of fried prawns was served, looking even more brilliant next to the steaming wild vegetable noodle soup.

After marriage, He Hongyuan had a lot of things to do in the group, especially recently there was an emergency mission that required him to lead the team out to sea. He has been busy preparing in the past few days. Today he just rushed back on time after dinner was ready.

In the past, he would just go to the army canteen to eat something to fill his stomach after a busy day. Now, as long as he finishes the work at hand and thinks of the little red building, He Hongyuan is eager to go home.

At the square table, He Hongyuan ate his mother's traditional noodle dumpling soup with big mouthfuls, his mouth full of the taste of childhood: "My mother's noodle dumplings are the same as before, they haven't changed at all."

He Guifang smiled and narrowed her eyes: "You used to like this. You would be so happy to eat a salted duck egg and drink a bowl of noodle soup during the Chinese New Year."

He Hongyuan just smiled when his mother exposed his childhood secrets, but Lin Xiang listened with gusto. Her mother-in-law was an excellent noodle-stretcher. The noodles were firm and soft, and had a great taste. The soup mixed with wild vegetables was fragrant and delicious, and was the best way to fill your stomach.

"This shrimp tastes really good." He Guifang doesn't eat much shrimp, and she always thinks it's not as tasty as pork. But today, her daughter-in-law made fried prawns in oil. She stir-fried them over high heat. They were oily and red, and the shrimp shells were slightly cracked. The meat is firm and tender, with a slight sweet and sour taste, it is really different! "It's better to eat it here at the beach."

Lin Xiang kept introducing the many seafoods here to her mother-in-law: "Mom, let's eat more seafood from tomorrow. I guarantee you will like it!"

This time He Guifang was applying for a letter of introduction for a family visit, and she asked the team leader for approval for a month, which happened to be the end of the autumn harvest and the beginning of the farming leisure time, so she had time to spare.

Although she only went out for a short trip, He Guifang still talked about the fruits and vegetables in her own vegetable garden and the two old hens. Before she left, she gave the two hens to her eldest son, who had adopted them, and told him to take good care of them, as she was counting on them to place her orders.

The older generation is so reluctant to leave when they go on a long journey, they are always thinking about home.

After dinner, He Hongyuan went to the army again to hold a meeting to discuss matters concerning going to sea, while Lin Xiang took her mother-in-law around. He Guifang had a straightforward personality and had become familiar with many of the neighbors in the short time she had spent in the family compound, and could talk to anyone.

When the two of them walked past Instructor Sun's house, they happened to run into Jiang Wenfang, who was pregnant and was strolling around with her three daughters after dinner.

"Comrade Lin, Aunt He, have you eaten?" Jiang Wenjie's belly was getting bigger and bigger. Now that it had been six months, it looked a little rounder.

"We've eaten, Sister Jiang. You're here to take the kids out to play after dinner." Lin Xiang looked at Jiang Wenfang's three girls and saw how cute they were. She couldn't help but teasing them, but the girls were a little shy and quickly hid behind their mother.

Aunt He was somewhat envious of the children being born in a row. She turned around and asked about the baby in Jiang Wenfang's belly. However, when she heard Jiang Wenfang say that it was definitely a boy, her eyes became hesitant.

After saying goodbye to his daughter-in-law and others and heading straight out of the family compound, he couldn't help but say, "I think there's a girl in Xiao Jiang's belly."

Lin Xiang remembered that Sister Guihua had mentioned that Instructor Sun's family was hoping for a son: "Sister Jiang is under a lot of pressure. I heard that Instructor Sun's family often nags about it."

Aunt He naturally understood that every family was like this these days, and everyone wanted a son. She thought of Lin Xiang's family situation again. It was really abominable that the murderous father had a son and forgot about the daughter he had with his ex-wife.

"If you ask me, they are all the same." He Guifang sighed, "I am no worse than those masters in terms of working in the fields."

His words were full of pride.

The sunset by the sea melts into gold, a rare sight in the inland. He Guifang sighed a few words and comforted her daughter-in-law facing the vast sea: "Xiangxiang, being a military wife is also very hard. Men often have to go on missions and fight on the battlefield, with their heads tied to their belts. Look at Hongyuan, he left home less than half a month after getting married. It's really hard for you."

People always put themselves in others' shoes. My mother-in-law sympathized with me, so Lin Xiang persuaded her in return: "Mom, I understand. I understood it when I decided to date Hongyuan. Besides, he is a soldier, and his duty is to protect the country. The awareness of military family members is not low either."

He Guifang was pleased that her daughter-in-law had such an open mind: "You are a girl with a high level of awareness!"

Soldiers patrolling nearby waters found suspicious traces, and He Hongyuan prepared to lead a team to provide support. At 8 pm, they packed up and set off at 5 am the next morning. He Hongyuan felt more and more guilty about his newlywed daughter-in-law.

"Xiangxiang, we just got married not long ago, and I have to go on a mission..." He Hongyuan had a serious expression on his face, but was interrupted by Lin Xiang's smile.

"You said to travel light, so I packed a change of clothes for you." It was the first time that Lin Xiang packed her husband's luggage. Ever since she decided to become a military wife, she could foresee such a moment. "Comrade He Hongyuan, remember to come back early! Mother and I are waiting for you at home."

"Okay, you wait for me." He Hongyuan felt relieved.

Lin Xiang saw the man's guilt, stood on tiptoe, put her hands around He Hongyuan's neck, and whispered in his ear.

He Hongyuan's deep eyes suddenly brightened, his Adam's apple rolled, and his voice became slightly hoarse: "Don't beg me when the time comes."

Lin Xiang glared at him angrily, her almond-shaped eyes round and bright, and just when the man raised his hand to unbutton his clothes, she slapped his hand down.

He Hongyuan raised his eyebrows, as if he had witnessed the fickleness of this naughty woman.

"You always take off my clothes." Lin Xiang whispered to him unhappily, "It's time for me to take off my clothes for once."

The white military uniform seemed like He Hongyuan's permanent skin. Every button shone with a metallic luster. It was buttoned up from bottom to top, tightly stitched to the top, exuding seriousness and majesty everywhere.

At this moment, under the flying fingers of Lin Xiang, the buttons and knots separated one by one, and the white military uniform slipped off He Hongyuan's body...

......

When Lin Xianghun woke up with a sore body, her first reaction was to reach out and touch the area beside her. The slightly cool bed sheet was no longer warm, and it was obvious that He Hongyuan had been away for a while.

They separated not long after their wedding. Lin Xiang still felt a little reluctant at the moment and hoped that her husband's mission at sea would go smoothly and he would come back soon.

Today was a day off, He Hongyuan went out to sea, so Lin Xiang went out with her mother-in-law and asked Aunt Feng to go into the city with her. Yuezhu found an excuse to sneak out for a date today, and Lin Xiang naturally didn't expose her.

The three of them took a boat into the city. He Guifang adapted better than when she first came. She felt more relaxed once she got into the city and breathed in the fresh air.

Although she could drink free coconut juice at the second factory, Lin Xiang still prepared to buy a bottle of coconut juice from her own factory at a department store in the city in a ceremonial manner.

The department store was packed with people, most of whom came to buy cloth, three-turn and one-ring sales, cakes and candies. The recently popular 119 coconut juice was also very popular.

From the time Lin Xiang walked in and observed for a while, she saw that seven or eight bottles of coconut juice had already been sold.

"Comrade, I want three bottles of 119 coconut juice." While handing over 45 cents, Lin Xiang pretended to be a passerby and asked, "Is this coconut juice selling well recently?"

The department store clerk raised his eyebrows and said, "Of course, it's selling better than orange soda lately. You're lucky. It was sold out yesterday. This is new stock that arrived this morning."

Lin Xiang couldn't help smiling and praised, "It really tastes good. It deserves to be selling well."

He Guifang knew that her daughter-in-law had a promising future in the factory, and she helped to mix the coconut juice. She was filled with pride when she took a sip, and could not help but brag about it to Feng Li.

The two of them chatted and laughed, praising Lin Xiang to the sky.

In the department store, Lin Xiang was buying cloth for her mother-in-law to make a new dress. She forcefully "pacified" her frugal mother-in-law's refusal and asked Aunt Feng to help. "Aunt Feng, see if this cloth is suitable for making clothes for mother?"

Feng Li naturally cooperated and hurriedly advised: "Sister Guifang, if your child is filial, you should accept it. The color of this dress shows your good health and it will definitely suit you."

He Guifang was defeated step by step under the attack of the two men.

After buying things, they went to the state-owned hotel for dinner. Lin Xiang went to the cinema and bought three movie tickets. He Guifang had never been so carefree before. In the past, she always watched open-air movies in the village. Today, she went to the cinema. The movie ended at almost four o'clock in the afternoon. The three of them hurried to the pier to take a boat.

Perhaps because her first day out was different, He Guifang was not seasick on the way back. After getting off the boat, she walked briskly and refused to eat at any state-owned hotel. She prepared to go home and cook: "Li'er, you are not allowed to go back either. Captain Zhou is still busy in the army. You can eat at our place tonight."

Feng Li remembered that her daughter-in-law said she would not come back for dinner tonight, and it would be boring for her to go back alone, so she immediately agreed: "Then I will definitely not go back. Let's go to the seafood station to buy some fish. There are only three of us tonight, so it will be more lively."

"Okay!" He Guifang seemed to be thinking of the past, when she was in the village and the living conditions were poor. She was so happy to catch a grass carp in the river. The boiled fish was bubbling in the pot, and she could cook a variety of vegetables and still feel full even without eating rice.

The two middle-aged sisters went shopping for groceries together, while Lin Xiang carried back the things she bought in the city. She held a piece of cloth in her left hand and an oil paper bag in her right hand. She spent the whole day with her mother-in-law and Aunt Feng and didn't think much about He Hongyuan.

But at this moment, I caught a glimpse of the vast ocean and thought of the man who was floating on the sea at that moment... I wonder how he is doing.

Thinking of this, Lin Xiang walked to the gate of the family compound. She greeted several military wives she knew walking out, and was suddenly stopped by one of them: "Xiao Lin, you're finally back! Your relatives are here!"

Lin Xiang was stunned when he heard this. What relatives did he have?