Chapter 31

Song Lu didn't expect that this boy really got the idea. He didn't say anything more, but just laughed heartily twice.

Before, Cheng Zheng was stubborn and refused to have any contact with lesbians or get married. He would keep complaining to people about it for a long time. But now that people have come to their senses, he doesn't say much and lets the young people solve the problem themselves.

After finding out the details, Song Lu just smiled and patted Cheng Zheng on the shoulder, saying in a deep and powerful voice, "Use the style of your Third Regiment. Whether it's fighting or finding an opponent, you should focus on a quick battle and a quick decision."

"Yes, Brigade Commander!" Cheng Zheng looked determined and raised his hand to salute.

On the way back to the single dormitory, Cheng Zheng was still thinking. He couldn't understand when he became different. Every time he saw Comrade Jian Lu, he was easily influenced by her and couldn't help but pay attention to her.

However, since he couldn't make sense of it, he didn't care. Anyway, he was now sure that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

The marriage is already decided, just get married!

However, before getting married, he planned to help Jian Lu solve an important matter that she had been thinking about - work.

The supply and marketing cooperative on the island originally had four salespeople, all of whom were family members of soldiers. A while ago, one of the salespeople followed her husband to another military district, leaving a vacant position.

Being a salesperson is a respectable job these days, and is said to be a golden rice bowl, and is no worse than working in a state-owned factory.

However, there are of course some requirements, such as a primary school education. But these days, it is hard to find so many people with a primary school education. Even the three remaining salespeople have only attended school for one or two years at most and can read.

Cheng Zheng knew that although Jian Lu had never been to school, she had attended a literacy class run by the educated youth of the Xingmin Production Brigade, and had been studying hard on her own since then. As for her handwriting, although it was on par with Dunzi, it was already better than many military families.

There should be no problem with the cultural level.

Song Lu has spoken, and this job should be almost certain.

Comrade Jian Lu will probably be very happy by then. Thinking of this, Cheng Zheng's steps became lighter.

——

"Aunt, you must help me with this."

At this time, at Song Lu's home in the courtyard, Song Lu's wife Qian Honglian was being pestered by her niece to arrange a job for someone.

Putting down the teacup, Qian Honglian frowned and looked at Qian Jingjing, "Jingjing, how come you know the military families on the island and asked me to arrange jobs for them?"

This is strange. My niece actually has time to care about these things?

Qian Jingjing was raised simply by her family since she was young. Every time she came to the island privately, she was either visiting her aunt and uncle or chasing after Cheng Zheng. What's going on now?

Qian Jingjing didn't care about that. She felt that Comrade Jian Lu had a hard time escaping from such a home, so she had to help her, right?

"Gu, you are a very nice person, a comrade with excellent willpower and character. As the director of the Women's Department, you should help women like you."

Qian Jingjing chattered on and on, briefly telling Jian Lu's story, with an angry look on her face, "Auntie, listen to me, isn't this too much?"

After listening to Jian Lu's experience, Qian Honglian gradually sat up straight, "It's really terrible. What kind of family is this? How could they do such a thing?"

Since Qian Honglian became the director of the Women's Department, she has seen too many things that cannot be reported to the public. She felt sorry for the women and children who had suffered such tragic experiences, so she immediately softened her attitude.

"But being a salesperson in a supply and marketing cooperative is not that easy. At the very least, you have to be able to read. Otherwise, how can you sell things?" She thought about it carefully. "Otherwise, I can wait for the work at the garment factory this year. I think they should be able to recruit some casual workers in a month."

Qian Jingjing carefully selected the job of salesperson in the supply and marketing cooperative. It was respectable and not too tiring. "No, auntie. Comrade Jian Lu can read and write. He is a good comrade who pursues progress!"

"Hey, you can still read and write?" Nowadays, not many lesbians can go to school. Qian Honglian has been to college, so she naturally has a good impression of lesbians who are ambitious and can make progress. In addition, after hearing about the man's tragic experience, she immediately agreed.

"That's fine. I'll make the arrangements then."

——

When Song Lu finished writing the report and returned to his family compound from the office, the moon was already above the coconut trees.

All the lights in every household have been turned off, only my window is still glowing with a warm yellow light.

Qian Honglian always waits for her man to come back at this time and leaves a light on for him.

"Honglian, aren't you going to bed yet? I told you not to wait for me." Song Lu said this with a smile on his face.

Qian Honglian, who was squinting on the sofa in the living room, opened her eyes dazedly when she heard the noise and said in a hoarse voice, "You're back."

"Well, go to bed."

Qian Honglian shook her head, put her hand on Song Zhaokang's arm to get up, and prepared a midnight snack for him. "I didn't plan to sleep, but I fell asleep after sitting for a while. You must be hungry at this time, I'll cook you a bowl of noodles."

Song Zhaokang wolfed down the noodles cooked by his wife. This was an occupational disease left over from years of marching and fighting, so he ate very quickly.

"The noodles you cook are still the best." Song Zhaokang put a spoonful of Yangchun noodles into his mouth and was intoxicated by the chewiness and fragrance of the noodles.

Even state-owned hotels can’t match my wife’s cooking skills.

"Just try to comfort me. My cooking skills are just so-so. You've been eating this for too many years and you're used to it." Qian Honglian sat next to the man and watched him finish the bowl of noodles and even drink up the noodle soup.

"By the way, where's Jingjing? Didn't she come over again today? Did she go back or stay?"

Qian Honglian pointed to the guest room and said, "She is asleep. She has been practicing very hard recently. She also traveled a long way today and must be tired."

"That's good. You finally understand."

Upon hearing this, Qian Honglian was unhappy, "Our Jingjing has always been very sensible."

When his wife complained, Song Zhaokang could only raise his hands in surrender and said, "Okay, okay, be sensible."

After eating and drinking, Song Zhaokang wiped his mouth and then remembered what Cheng Zheng had talked to him about earlier.

Qian Honglian was responsible for arranging work for military dependents, so he had to say hello to them.

After cleaning up the dishes, Song Zhaokang went to the kitchen to rinse and wash the dishes. His deep voice came over the sound of water, "Honglian, I need a quota for military dependents. Please remember it for me."

Qian Honglian was sitting in the living room. When she heard this, she rushed to the kitchen and leaned against the door frame. "Okay, I'll remember that. I'll see if there's a vacant seat and I'll arrange it for you."

This is not uncommon. Sometimes when a family is in financial difficulty or a soldier has performed well, their family members will be given preferential treatment.

"Don't look at the vacancies, just go for the remaining salesperson position in the supply and marketing cooperative." Song Zhaokang never expected that Cheng Zheng was a man who loved his wife. The first time he asked for a job, he picked the best one.

A salesperson at a supply and marketing cooperative?

Qian Honglian frowned and refused directly, "No, I have another job."

"How come you have already made arrangements?" Song Zhaokang washed the porcelain bowl clean, turned it over and shook off the water, and couldn't help but ask in confusion.

"Jingjing asked for a job for someone today. The woman is a very talented person and she can read and write. I think it would be nice to assign the job to her."

"There aren't many people who can read, but I can find one. I really have an arrangement. You can arrange a job for the female comrade Jingjing mentioned."

"How can that be possible? I've already promised Jingjing!"

"Then I agreed to Cheng Zheng's request."

"Your promise is a promise, but mine doesn't count? Brigade Commander Song, don't think you can put yourself above me just because you have a high position."

"How dare I?" Song Zhaokang put his hand on his wife's back and half-carried her back to the sofa. "This is the first time Cheng Zheng has asked me to do something for him. He has made many contributions over the years. If we can't even fulfill such a small request, won't it discourage the soldiers?"

After hearing this, Qian Honglian didn't know what to say. After all, Cheng Zheng was a soldier who actually built the island and defended the country.

As for Jingjing, well, I'm afraid she will have to endure it.

However, Qian Honglian was a little confused. "Xiao Cheng actually asked for a job for a female lesbian? Who is that?"

"His fiancée is Jian Lu."

"Oh, wasn't it the flood that washed away the Dragon King Temple? Jingjing also asked me to arrange work for Comrade Jian Lu." Qian Honglian smiled, what a coincidence!

Then why were you two arguing just now?

"Ah?" This was the first time that Song Zhaokang heard that this job could be asked of a couple, and the key point was that it was just one person!

——

Qian Jingjing only has one day off and has to return the next day.

Early in the morning, Song Zhaokang and Qian Honglian had already gone out to work. Qian Jingjing had been a frequent visitor to their home. The Red Flag Military Region where she was located was close to the island, so Qian's father and mother naturally asked Qian Honglian and his wife to help take care of their daughter.

At this moment, she ate breakfast as if she were familiar with the place, closed the door, and prepared to go back to the military area.

Before leaving, I went to the family compound to say goodbye to Comrade Jian Lu and encouraged her to live a strong life.

"You can tell me any difficulties you have, and I will help you in any way I can."

Jian Lu felt that this girl had not changed even after suffering the injustice from Dong Jing. Even though she was deceived and her kindness was betrayed, she would still help others. What a good girl!

"Thank you for your kindness. You should also be more careful and stay away from Dong Jing."

Qian Jingjing nodded vigorously, looking proud, "Don't worry, I'm clear about it."

Jian Lu: “…”

Really? Smart?

"By the way, I've already told my aunt that the job at the supply and marketing cooperative will most likely be yours, as long as you can pass the exam. But don't worry, I've asked around. The main purpose is to test whether you can recognize words. They are all the names of the products sold in the supply and marketing cooperative, such as enamel basins, enamel cups, towels, etc. I think you will have no problem. Just practice hard in the next few days."

This is great news!

Jian Lu excitedly grabbed Qian Jingjing's hand and expressed her gratitude again and again, "Thank you, Jingjing!"

It’s so hard to find a job these days, let alone a job in a supply and marketing cooperative!

"You're welcome. You must live a good life. I have to go now. I have to go back to the dance team to practice in the afternoon. Bye."

Qian Jingjing said goodbye to Jian Lu with great joy, and disappeared into the family yard at a trot.

Can I get a job?

Jian Lu was in a very good mood. She hummed a tune as she went to Liang's house. Finally, she didn't have to live off her savings anymore!

——

On the other side, Cheng Zheng, who thought he had solved Jian Lu's work problem, was taking out his yellow passbook from the drawer, rolling it up and stuffing it into his trouser pocket, preparing to leave the dormitory for the Liang family. He had already thought it through and decided that he had to give someone an answer today.

He has had this personality since he was young. He doesn't easily make up his mind about anything, but once he makes up his mind, he will act immediately.

As a result, just as he reached the door, he suddenly remembered something and went back to the closet. He slowly opened the door and saw the white shirt that Jian Lu had made for him inside, completely untouched.

At this time, Cheng Zheng was still wearing his neat military uniform. Thinking of the flowery clothes Dunzi was wearing, he finally mustered up the courage, stretched out his bony hands, and took out the white shirt.

This was made by Jian Lu herself, and it would be inappropriate if she didn't wear it. Especially since he was going to visit her today, it was just right for him to wear it.

There shouldn't be many people outside at this moment, and once it gets dark, no one will be able to see what they are wearing.

Cheng Zheng, who was fully prepared mentally, pinched the shoulders of his shirt with both hands and shook the clothes off.

However, the fancy appearance imagined did not appear. There were no crabs and fish like Dunzi's clothes on it. It was a clean and refreshing white shirt.

The only special thing about it is the collar, which is exceptionally stiff, as if it can support the whole body.

Cheng Zheng was stunned for a moment, touched the soft fabric, with a smile on his lips, took off his military uniform, put on the white shirt, went out again, and headed straight for the Liang family.

=

The family compound was also very lively at this time. Someone had just come to inform Jian Lu that she would be taking the test for a salesperson at the supply and marketing cooperative next week, mainly to see if she could read, write and keep accounts.

Everyone knows that having this opportunity to take the exam is almost equivalent to getting a job.

Feng Xiuhui's distant relative actually got a job at the supply and marketing cooperative?

Working in a supply and marketing cooperative is a popular job, and being a salesperson is a respectable job. Who wouldn't want to do it? Unfortunately, most of the people here have never been to school and cannot read, let alone write, count, and keep accounts.

"Then how did Jian Lu get such a good job?"

"Who would know? Is there still a quota for Political Commissar Liang's family? Is this a good thing that will be her turn? Besides, can she read? I wanted to register my daughter, but she said she couldn't read and rejected us."

"Of course she can read. I saw her studying with Dunzi a few days ago. Your daughter wants to be a salesperson? How can she do that if she can't read a single word?"

In the family compound, several military families were chatting idly, talking about today's big news. They looked at Jian Lu who was coming down from the building, their eyes full of envy.

Mrs. Liu was sitting in the yard, watching Jian Lu being surrounded by several people and questioned. She looked at how pretty and handsome she was, and now had a job in the supply and marketing cooperative. She immediately became interested and walked forward in small steps.

......

When Cheng Zheng arrived at the family compound, the sky was already dark black.

Dunzi and Hengheng were looking out the gate, not knowing what they were looking at. When they saw Cheng Zheng coming, they happily greeted him, "Uncle Cheng!"

Dunzi, with his short legs, quickly rushed to Cheng Zheng and started to complain.

"Uncle Cheng, someone wants to introduce Aunt Lulu to someone!"

Heng Heng added, "It's Aunt Liu."

This is a big deal. Aunt Lulu was just called out by Aunt Liu. After they left, Dunzi, who was playing nearby, heard the other sisters-in-law talking about how Aunt Liu had taken a fancy to Comrade Jian Lu and wanted to introduce her nephew to her as a match.

Dunzi was shocked when he heard this! Fortunately, Uncle Cheng arrived in a few minutes.

Cheng Zheng was startled when he heard this. After Cheng Hehua left, here comes Mrs. Liu?

Feeling annoyed, I asked, "Where is your Aunt Lulu?"

"Go out the door and turn left. Mrs. Liu called her out."

As soon as Dunzi finished reporting the situation, he saw Uncle Cheng, who was always calm and experienced, running out quickly.

——

Under the shade trees outside the family compound, Mrs. Liu was setting up a chance encounter for Jian Lu and her nephew.

After learning today that Jian Lu could get a proper job at the supply and marketing cooperative, she became interested.

Since Jian Lu came to the family compound, she has indeed been stared at by many people. Such a good-looking unmarried lesbian is naturally popular. Even Mrs. Liu's nephew came to the house for dinner and met Jian Lu by chance, and he also fell in love with her.

However, Mrs. Liu still wanted to introduce her nephew to someone who has a job, because work is the real thing, and being beautiful cannot make a living.

Now, Jian Lu is going to have a good job! Just right!

"Mrs. Liu, didn't you ask me to go check out the crabs for sale? Why are you here?"

"Hey, sister Jian Lu, I'm telling you the truth. I asked you to come out this time because I want you to meet my nephew. He's a very capable man. He's the deputy commander of the first battalion of the first regiment. He has a bright future. He's also very handsome."

Blind date?

Jian Lu found that an unmarried lesbian of her age could not escape this fate no matter where she went. The key was where did this man with a dark red face who suddenly appeared come from?

"Hello, Comrade Jian Lu." Liu Saozi's nephew Wei Dajun suddenly appeared with a shy look on his face. His dark face turned red and he didn't dare to even look at Jian Lu.

"Hello, Mrs. Liu, I appreciate your kindness, but..."

"Sister Jian Lu, don't be anxious. Take a closer look. Our Dajun is a good man and is respected in the army. You will enjoy a good life after marrying him." Mrs. Liu has acted as a matchmaker for many people and is very eloquent.

Jian Lu took a look at the dark-red face opposite her and realized that she was really not her type. She wanted to escape in embarrassment, but was held by Mrs. Liu again. This person's hands were really strong.

The key is that she determined that Jian Lu was shy.

"Don't be shy. It's such a mess for a grown-up girl to ride in a sedan chair for the first time."

"Not really..."

"Comrade Jian Lu, let me introduce myself to you. I am Wei Dajun, 25 years old this year, and my family lives in G Province in the southwest. I have three sisters and a brother. I am currently the deputy battalion commander of the first battalion of the first regiment, and my monthly salary is 63.5 yuan. I very much hope to join forces with you and fight for the revolutionary cause together in the future..."

It's getting more and more outrageous!

Jian Lu was trying hard to reject Mrs. Liu and her nephew when she suddenly heard hurried footsteps. Then someone grabbed her arm and she was forced to take a step back. A clear breath attacked her.

When she regained her composure, Jian Lu saw Cheng Zheng with a gloomy face standing in front of her, facing Mrs. Liu and Wei Dajun.

"Mrs. Liu, Wei Dajun." Cheng Zheng had just walked quickly towards the few people when he heard Wei Dajun's passionate introduction, which sounded really harsh.

"Captain Cheng, why are you here?" After asking, Wei Dajun looked at Cheng Zheng's hand holding Jian Lu's wrist. His head was buzzing, as if he understood something, but also seemed not to understand anything.

But that's impossible!

The next second, the answer from the head of the Third Regiment, Cheng Zheng, broke his last glimmer of hope, "I'm here to find my target, Jian Lu."

"Target?" Wei Dajun and Mrs. Liu asked in unison.

Ignoring the suddenly widened eyes of Wei Dajun and Mrs. Liu, Cheng Zheng pulled Jian Lu away quickly, went around the back wall of the family yard, and stood in a coconut grove.

Jian Lu's hand was being pulled by someone, and Cheng Zheng's palms were hot, as if they could tease her. Before she could react, what did this person just say?

Who?

Could it be that this dull mind has finally come to its senses?! Has Cheng Zheng gotten rid of the influence of the original book's lover character?

"Brother Cheng?"

Cheng Zhengzheng looked at Jian Lu, the girl with red lips and white teeth, with his heart beating fast and a fire burning inside his body.

When he met a few people just now, he heard something. Wei Dajun said that he hoped to have a blind date with Jian Lu and get married, and work together for the revolutionary construction...

Hearing this man talking about marrying Jian Lu, Cheng Zheng felt so angry that he couldn't think. He just spoke stiffly without having time to think about anything else.

"Comrade Jian Lu."

Jian Lu felt that something was wrong with this man today. He was not as calm as usual. He seemed a little impatient, and even his breathing was heavier.

This is not like Cheng Zheng's style.

What's more, this person actually kept holding my hand!

"Did Mrs. Liu introduce you to someone just now?"

Jian Lu was about to deny it, but her eyes turned and she changed her words and said, "Yes."

"That won't work." Cheng Zheng blurted out. It would be absolutely impossible to introduce anyone to Jian Lu.

"Why?" Jian Lu's peach blossom eyes flashed with tiny lights, as dazzling as the stars in the sky.

"Comrade Jian Lu, let's get together." Cheng Zheng did not answer her directly.

At this moment his heart was pounding wildly, completely out of control. He had never felt this way in the past twenty years. Every word seemed to weigh a thousand pounds, dropping heavily to the ground.

Cheng Zheng thought that he would never get married and would never fall in love with any lesbian, but now he is like a teenage boy, impatient to say these words.

Cheng Zheng's eyes were rarely gentle, and at this moment, there was only the reflection of Jian Lu in his eyes. "I want to make progress with you and create a revolutionary friendship together."

Jian Lu: “…?”

Is this a confession? Is there such a way to confess?

"What is revolutionary friendship? I haven't learned this term." Jian Lu's eyes flickered, unwilling to pay attention to him, "Besides, learning and progress are things that can be done by oneself."

"Alone?" Cheng Zheng suddenly felt that this word was familiar. This was not the phrase he used to reject others in the past. This boomerang really stung him. "Didn't you say you like me? From my hair to my toes..."

These words had a profound impact on Cheng Zheng, and it seemed as if his lips were burning when he said them out loud now.

"But you don't like me?" Jian Lu straightened her back and muttered to herself. She didn't want to take this opportunity to make him face his inner feelings. She couldn't teach him a lesson. "Brother Cheng, I've thought about it. Aunt Wang arranged a marriage for us without your knowledge. It's really unfair to you. You have the right to pursue love. I'm willing to help you. Let's cancel the engagement and be ordinary friends. When I get married to someone else in the future, I'll give you wedding candy."

Jian Lu's words seemed to have exhausted all her acting skills, and she tried hard not to laugh.

She just didn't believe that she couldn't cure this old-fashioned person.

Hearing this, the usually calm and serious Captain Cheng panicked for once. His eyes moved as he looked at the extremely serious girl in front of him. He suddenly felt his heart being torn apart. This person said that he was willing to fulfill his wish, cancel the engagement, and be just ordinary friends?

Do you still want to marry someone else and give yourself wedding candy?

There is no door!

The bloodiness and domineering tempered on the battlefield were rarely shown in front of the female comrade. Cheng Zheng felt that he could no longer think, and just blurted out, throwing his head to the ground and saying, "Who said I don't like you? I like you, Comrade Jian Lu!"

By saying the word "I love you", Cheng Zheng seemed to have completely destroyed the indifferent lover character that had been sealed for most of his life. It turned out that these words were not that difficult to say.

Looking at Jian Lu, whose eyes were flickering and whose cheeks were rosy, Cheng Zheng spoke again. His deep voice was a little gentle, and he didn't know whether he was telling himself or Jian Lu, "Yes, Comrade Jian Lu, I like you."