Lin Wanqiu did not go to the military headquarters at all.
She carried the bundle and circled around the village for a long time before finding a secluded haystack where she hid the contents.
This time she learned her lesson. If she took the items back with her, it would easily attract other people's attention. She hid them and took them when no one was around, which was both safe and wouldn't give her away.
After she finally made it back to the educated youth settlement just in time, Ye Wenshu was anxiously waiting, covering her nose. "How did it go? Did Commander Jiang accept it?"
"I accepted it." Lin Wanqiu deliberately spoke vaguely, her eyes darting around. "However... he seemed to have mentioned that he was short of food coupons and meat coupons."
These words were actually spoken by the male educated youth she wanted to curry favor with, but she conveniently used Jiang Linchuan's name to say them.
If we could get the tickets and send them to the male educated youth, maybe their return to the city would be settled.
"Did Commander Jiang really say that?" Ye Wenshu's eyes lit up, and the pain subsided by more than half.
"Probably... He just mentioned it casually." Lin Wanqiu nodded, pretending not to care.
"What do you mean casually! He must have read my letter and knows it's Valentine's Day. He's giving me a chance!" Ye Wenshu stood up excitedly, ignoring her still swollen nose. "I still have some money here. I'll go find someone to exchange for tickets right now!"
Watching Ye Wenshu rush out, Lin Wanqiu felt a pang of panic, but the thought of returning to the city quickly calmed her down.
At worst, once she returns to the city, she can send Ye Wenshu some gifts as compensation, and then they'll be even, with neither of them owing the other anything.
In the military headquarters' small courtyard.
Looking at the newly cleaned house, Xu Xinghe couldn't help but smile.
The table was covered with her newly embroidered tablecloth, and her little trinkets were placed on the windowsill. Her presence was everywhere, having already completely invaded Jiang Linchuan's life.
She glanced at the wall clock and realized it was already three in the afternoon.
Jiang Linchuan will finish training at five o'clock, so she needs to hurry up and prepare a surprise.
Xu Xinghe rushed into the kitchen and took out a fresh steak from the storage space.
Today is Valentine's Day in the West. No one in the military celebrates this holiday, and she doesn't dare to make it public. She just wants to spend some time alone with Jiang Linchuan in secret.
Pan-fry the steak until golden brown on both sides, then sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper; the aroma will instantly fill the air.
She definitely couldn't bring out the red wine, so she went to Wang Chunmei's place early on to ask for a bottle of homemade fruit wine, which was sweet and sour and refreshing, perfect for pairing with steak.
She placed the pan-fried steak and prepared side dishes on the table, poured two glasses of fruit wine, quickly drew the curtains, and rummaged through the cupboard to find two candles.
Since there were no candlesticks, I used two small wine glasses as bases and carefully inserted the candles into them and lit them.
The warm yellow candlelight flickered, making the whole room feel gentle.
Xu Xinghe sat in the chair, looking at the food on the table, her heart filled with anticipation.
5:30.
The courtyard gate was pushed open precisely on time.
Jiang Linchuan had just finished showering and was wearing a clean military shirt.
He frowned as soon as he reached the door.
Why are the lights off inside?
Is Xinghe not home?
But the door was ajar.
He gently pushed open the door, and with a soft creak, the darkness was instantly replaced by the flickering candlelight.
Xu Xinghe stood up, holding a candle. The candlelight illuminated her small face, and her eyes shone like they were filled with stars. "Jiang Linchuan, Happy Valentine's Day! I know the military shouldn't celebrate Western holidays, so I secretly prepared these. Consider it our little secret, and we won't tell anyone, okay?"
Jiang Linchuan's Adam's apple bobbed as his gaze fell on her flushed cheeks. "Okay."
He gently closed the door, concealing everything.
Today is a little secret just for them.
"Sit down!" Xu Xinghe pulled him down to sit, pointing to the food on the table with expectant eyes. "I made all of this myself. The steak was brought from town by someone and has been frozen. I was just waiting to surprise you today. It's inconvenient without knives and forks, so I cut it beforehand. I didn't dare bring out the red wine, afraid of causing you trouble, so I used Aunt Wang's homemade fruit wine instead. It's just a token gesture."
"That's enough." Jiang Linchuan interrupted her, his eyes filled with undisguised warmth.
That's more than enough for him.
She was willing to put in the effort to prepare things for him, even if it was just a bowl of hot porridge and two steamed buns, he felt it was sweeter than any delicacy.
The two sat facing each other, the candlelight illuminating their features.
There was no romantic music, no bright flowers, but there was a unique warmth between the two of them.
After finishing her meal, Xu Xinghe was about to clear the dishes when Jiang Linchuan gently pressed her wrist.
"You cooked today yourself, you're a great contributor, leave the dishwashing to me."
As he spoke, he stacked the bowls and chopsticks without saying another word.
Xu Xinghe smiled and withdrew her hand, a hint of pride in her voice. "This is the first time I've ever cooked properly, and you're the first person to taste it!"
Not counting simple hot meals, this time she didn't ask anyone for help at all, from chopping vegetables and frying steak to setting the table.
I spent more than half an hour just chopping vegetables on the cutting board, and my hands were sore.
Jiang Linchuan rolled up his sleeves and went into the kitchen. The sound of running water was heard for a short while before he finished washing up and came out.
Some glistening water droplets clung to his muscular forearms, sliding down the muscle lines.
Seeing this, Xu Xinghe quickly picked up a small pink towel and went over to wipe him.
Her fingers were slender and warm, and when they brushed against his forearm, they brought a gentle touch, like feathers tickling Jiang Linchuan's heart.
His Adam's apple bobbed, and he suddenly reached out and grabbed Xu Xinghe's wrist, pulling her into his arms.
Xu Xinghe gasped as her forehead bumped against his firm chest. Just as she looked up, his warm lips covered hers.
The kiss came quickly and suddenly, carrying his faint scent of soap, enveloping her completely.
Xu Xinghe's heart skipped a beat. At first, she was a little dazed, but then she went limp, reached out and hooked her arms around his neck, responding to his advances.
Jiang Linchuan's hand moved down her waist, steadily supporting her slender legs, and he lifted her up horizontally with one hand.
Xu Xinghe instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her cheek against his warm neck, where she could clearly hear his strong heartbeat.
Jiang Linchuan walked into the inner room in a few steps, gently placed her on the quilt, and then leaned down and pressed down on her.
The kiss landed again, more intense than before, filled with uncontrollable passion.
His hand slowly moved to his collar, and just as his fingertips touched the button, he suddenly stopped as if stung by something.
He cannot do that; he cannot overstep the bounds before they are officially married.
Jiang Linchuan propped himself up, his breathing a little rapid, and the stray hairs on his forehead fell down, obscuring the turbulent emotions in his eyes.
He reached out and gently rubbed Xu Xinghe's flushed cheeks, his voice still hoarse, "Xinghe, let's... let's talk about it after we get married."
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