Xu Xinghe and Zhou Chengmu had finished their conversation. Xu Xinghe glanced at the sky and said, "It's getting late. I'll head back to the courtyard first. You should go back and get busy too."
"I'll take you back."
Before she could refuse, Zhou Chengmu had already taken two steps toward the courtyard, then turned back to look at her, "It's still a distance from here to your house, and it's getting dark, so it's safer for me to take you there."
Xu Xinghe had no choice but to follow in his footsteps. "Actually, there's no need to go through all this trouble. I can go back by myself."
“No trouble at all.” Zhou Chengmu smiled, his eyes drooping, making him look exceptionally honest and simple. As he walked, he said, “This learning opportunity that Political Commissar Wang gave me is truly invaluable. I went to a training base under the General Army, where I was taught practical command and tactical analysis. I learned a lot of things I had never encountered before. Moreover, after the training, the General Army may transfer me to the military headquarters in a neighboring province to assist with work for a period of time. When I return to Heilongjiang Province, I should be able to get a promotion directly.”
Xu Xinghe was somewhat surprised, "Transferred to a neighboring province? And promoted? That's great, it's a good opportunity for you."
"Hmm." Zhou Chengmu nodded; this was indeed a good opportunity.
He was seriously injured this time, and it was while protecting the people.
In addition, during his recovery and rehabilitation, no matter how much pain or suffering he endured, he always gritted his teeth and remained silent.
Political Commissar Wang said he saw the word "perseverance" in him, so he was willing to promote him.
“I heard from Political Commissar Wang that when I come back, Lian Xiao will take over Jiang Linchuan’s current position. I will take over Lian Xiao’s job and be able to help them more.”
Hearing him mention the job change, Xu Xinghe suddenly thought of someone. "By the way, what about Zhao Feng? I've been busy with Xu Mingli's affairs lately and haven't seen him much. How has he been?"
Zhou Chengmu paused for a moment. "Zhao Feng has been transferred. He went to the border military headquarters half a month ago. The defense there is tense recently, and they need experienced officers to go and provide support. He volunteered to be transferred there."
Xu Xinghe was stunned, and a strange sense of loss suddenly welled up in her heart.
Although she wasn't familiar with Zhao Feng, she still felt a sense of things having changed.
Perhaps in the future, the soldiers in this military unit will gradually leave.
Some stayed, while others went to even more distant places.
She looked down at the road beneath her feet and sighed softly, "I didn't expect to be transferred so soon... Lin Chuan and I went on a mission for only two months, and it seems like a lot of things are different now that we've come back."
Seeing her downcast look, Zhou Chengmu gently comforted her, "It's all for work. Military personnel are frequently transferred. Maybe you'll have another chance to meet in the future."
Xu Xinghe nodded, but still felt a little lost.
The two walked in silence until they were almost at the entrance of the courtyard. Zhou Chengmu stopped and looked at Xu Xinghe. "We're here. Go inside. If anything happens in the future and Jiang Linchuan isn't here, you can come to me. I'll do my best to help you."
Xu Xinghe smiled and said, "Thank you, and I wish you all the best in the future."
“Okay.” Zhou Chengmu nodded, watching Xu Xinghe walk into the courtyard. Only after the gate closed did he turn and walk towards the military headquarters.
Not long after Xu Xinghe returned home, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the courtyard gate, followed by Wang Chunmei's loud voice, "Xinghe! Xinghe, are you home?"
"She's home, Aunt Mei!" Xu Xinghe hurriedly came out of the house and saw Wang Chunmei carrying a bright red net bag, her face beaming with joy, as she stepped lightly into the courtyard.
"I've finally found you!" Wang Chunmei placed the net bag on the stone table, which contained melon seeds, oranges, apples, and candies, exuding joy. "I came here today to tell you some good news: my son Jianguo is getting married!"
Xu Xinghe smiled and congratulated her, "Really? Then congratulations, Aunt Mei!"
"Thank you, thank you!" Wang Chunmei smiled so much her eyes narrowed into slits, pointing to the net bag and saying, "I have to thank you for this! When Jianguo and Xiulan were looking for a match, the things you gave them were a huge help, and the marriage was arranged smoothly! You're practically a matchmaker, so you must accept these things; they're just a small token of my appreciation!"
Xu Xinghe knew that Aunt Mei was always honest and straightforward, and that refusing would be too formal, so she smiled and accepted it, "Then I won't be polite, thank you Aunt Mei."
"Don't mention it!" Wang Chunmei waved her hand and said excitedly, "The wedding date is set for three days from now, and it will be held in town. You absolutely have to come and join in the fun!"
"So soon?" Xu Xinghe was somewhat surprised. "Have everything been prepared at home?"
"Everything's all set!" Wang Chunmei patted her chest confidently. "Jianguo works at the agricultural machinery factory in town, and my family happens to own an old house there. I've already had the walls painted white and newspapers pasted on them. New quilts, thermos flasks, washbasins—everything's ready. We also have the 'three turns and one sound' (referring to a type of revolving door, sewing machine, and radio). Xiulan works at the supply and marketing cooperative, so her dowry is simple—just a few quilts and some clothes. She has everything she needs. We're just waiting for the wedding ceremony in three days!"
As she spoke, she suddenly leaned closer to Xu Xinghe and lowered her voice, "Xinghe, you absolutely have to come! The bride will wear a big red flower on her chest. I'll get it for you after the ceremony so you can wear it and soak up the joy! That way, you and Commander Jiang can get your marriage certificate and get married soon. I'm looking forward to drinking your wedding wine!"
Xu Xinghe's face flushed slightly at her words, and she couldn't help but smile.
In fact, she and Jiang Linchuan could get their marriage certificate at any time. They had passed the physical examination and the political review by their employers. However, every time they made an appointment to go to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, something would happen, and they would be delayed.
To be honest, there are still some people who are unwilling to accept this and are always secretly causing trouble, trying to ruin things for them, but there's no need to go into details with Aunt Mei about these things.
She had already made a plan: once Jiang Linchuan's promotion notice was officially issued, the two of them would get their marriage certificate. It would be a double celebration, as it was both a promotion and a wedding.
"Thank you for your concern, Aunt Mei. I will definitely go." Xu Xinghe replied with a smile.
"That's right!" Wang Chunmei nodded in satisfaction. "I still need to inform the others and invite them all to come and join the fun, so I won't chat with you any longer! Three days from now at ten o'clock in the morning, you and everyone else will go together then, don't forget!"
"Don't worry, Aunt Mei, I remember!"
Xu Xinghe escorted her to the courtyard gate. Wang Chunmei waved and then hurried off to the neighboring courtyard, her loud voice announcing the good news carrying even over the courtyard wall.
Xu Xinghe peeled open a candy and put it in her mouth, the sweet taste melting on her tongue.
She leaned against the stone table, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the oranges in the net bag, her thoughts drifting back to Director Li of the General Army.
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