October 1st.
The day the nation was founded.
The whole country is celebrating.
The Heilongjiang Provincial Military Command generously gave all soldiers a day off, allowing them to rest properly.
Wang Chunmei had a radio at home, which she specially donated and placed in the yard.
The neighbors all came over.
A slight buzzing sound came from the radio, followed by the announcer's enthusiastic and loud voice, filled with barely suppressed joy.
"Fellow countrymen and comrades, today is October 1, 1967, the glorious day of the 18th anniversary of the founding of our great nation! At this moment of national celebration, we extend our warmest festive greetings to the people of the whole country!"
"Over the past eighteen years, the people of the whole country have united as one and achieved brilliant successes on all fronts. On the black soil of Northeast China, the songs of harvest resound through the fields. The machines in the factories hummed incessantly, providing a continuous source of power for national construction. Soldiers on the border guards stood firm at their posts, safeguarding the peace of the motherland with their youth and blood..."
"At this moment, red flags flutter in Tiananmen Square, and people of all ethnic groups gather together to celebrate this sacred festival! Let us hold high the flag, unite around us, and strive to build a more prosperous and powerful motherland! Happy birthday to our great motherland, and may all the people of the country be happy and healthy!"
The neighbors applauded.
"Wishing us all the best in the future!"
"Oh, right, are we having braised goose in an iron pot tonight?"
"That's right, it's a local tradition. Every year on the night of October 1st, everyone tries to catch geese together. Whoever is the first to catch one is going to have great luck!"
...
Compared to the bustling atmosphere at the military headquarters.
Hongxing Village was completely silent at this moment.
Because everyone had gone out, they also went to the vicinity of the military headquarters to join in the fun.
Wang Zhizhi was wrapped up tightly, with only her eyes showing. She mechanically waved her arms, using an iron shovel to break the frozen excrement into pieces, and then shoveled them into the bamboo basket next to her.
Perhaps because of the cold weather, or perhaps because of its solid form, Wang Zhizhi didn't smell a strong odor, but even so, she couldn't stand it!
One at a time.
Continue until all the feces are completely cleaned up.
She threw down the shovel, then tried her best to use a carrying pole to lift the two bamboo baskets and walked out into the distance.
I was busy back and forth all afternoon.
It was almost dark when she finally finished.
Wang Zhizhi dragged her tired body back to the military headquarters. As soon as she entered, she saw a lively scene.
In the open space in the middle, firewood and iron pots had been set up at some point, and a group of soldiers and their families had gathered together.
In the past, there were no concerns about gender, but now that we're so happy, everyone is together.
The soldiers stood up and formed a circle.
Several geese were flapping their wings inside, but they couldn't fly out no matter what they did.
Wang Chunmei spoke first: "Xinghe is new here, why don't we let Xinghe go in and try catching someone first!"
"I think it's a good idea. Xinghe is Commander Jiang's fiancée, so let her go in and make the arrests first!"
"Xinghe, go quickly."
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Xu Xinghe walked out of the crowd with grace and poise. Today, she wore a light camel-colored short coat with fine rabbit fur trim around the collar, which swayed gently in the wind, giving it a more lively feel compared to the military coats worn by others. Underneath, she wore a maroon turtleneck sweater, which made her skin appear even whiter.
He wore dark gray straight-leg trousers with tapered cuffs that just covered his ankles, paired with brown calfskin ankle boots. In the gray-blue military compound, he stood out conspicuously.
She wasn't wearing a hat; her long, jet-black hair was pinned behind her ears with a pearl hair clip, and wisps of hair at her temples fluttered gently in the wind. In the candlelight, her dark eyes were clear and bright.
"Thank you, ladies. I'll give it a try. I've never caught one before, but I'll do my best."
Seeing that she was not afraid at all, the crowd started to cheer again.
"Xinghe, be careful, that goose can peck people."
"Go quickly and catch this goose; you're sure to have a good New Year this year."
"Xinghe, keep it up! I've got the goose's first leg for you!"
Xu Xinghe took a deep breath and stepped into the encirclement.
As soon as she moved, several geese started flapping their wings.
She disregarded her clothes and appearance and pounced on one of them.
Unfortunately, they came up empty-handed.
The goose could fly; it flapped its wings and flew to the other side.
Xu Xinghe's eyes grew brighter and brighter, and a smile appeared on her face.
She hadn't been this happy in a long time.
Even in the most ordinary small group activity, she could clearly feel that she was alive.
Her heart was beating faster with her movements.
Her body was slowly getting hot.
Xu Xinghe seized the opportunity and finally grabbed the goose's flapping wings with her little hands.
She strained, trying to hold on tighter.
The goose craned its neck, let out a cry, and turned to peck at her arm.
"Ouch!" Xu Xinghe cried out in pain and pulled her hand back. She twisted her foot and staggered backward.
A strong arm caught her waist just in time and brought her back steadily.
The tall shadows almost completely enveloped her petite figure.
As soon as she looked up, she met Jiang Linchuan's deep eyes.
The face was sharply defined in the flickering firelight, with a high nose bridge and a taut jawline, exuding a fierce and tough aura.
Jiang Linchuan bent down and grabbed the goose by the neck with one hand, while holding her shoulder with the other. "Stand still."
After saying that, he tossed the goose to a cook next to him and said, "Go and do it."
After a moment of silence, a burst of laughter suddenly erupted.
"Commander Jiang is protecting his wife!"
"Oh my, I never thought Commander Jiang would be so caring!"
"Xinghe is so lucky to have found such a wonderful man!"
Xu Xinghe's face turned red. Even though it was all good-natured teasing, she still felt a little embarrassed.
She gently tugged at Jiang Linchuan's sleeve and whispered, "I...I want to go back and change my clothes."
"Um."
The two walked out of the crowd.
Once she was sure no one was paying attention, Xu Xinghe immediately stopped. "Jiang Linchuan, I think I twisted my ankle just now. I can't walk."
Jiang Linchuan paused, then bent down slightly. "Come on up."
Xu Xinghe immediately felt a sweet warmth in her heart.
If it were when he first came to Heilongjiang Province, he certainly wouldn't have been so easy to talk to.
Xu Xinghe leaned over, his strong arms steadily supporting her knees, and walked steadily toward the courtyard.
Even through his clothes, Xu Xinghe could clearly feel the firm muscle lines on his back.
She couldn't help but press her cool cheek against his warm nape, her voice muffled, "Your back is so strong, I feel so safe leaning against it."
Jiang Linchuan paused slightly, his ears turning red.
He didn't say anything, but he tightened his grip on her arm.
The glow of the firelight fell on the two of them, casting long, long shadows...
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