Chapter 29 White Moonlight Officially Appears
Huo Tingxiao's shoulder injury was healing more slowly than expected. After a follow-up visit from a military doctor, he was sternly advised to rest and avoid any stretching or heavy lifting, as this could easily lead to sequelae. This forced him to temporarily put aside some urgent military duties and spend more time working from home. His study became his makeshift command post, with constant calls and video conferences. But at least he was home.
Su Wanqing remained responsible for changing his dressings and reminding him to take his medication daily. After that awkward and heated early-night medication session and the unexpected dream talk, the atmosphere between them had become more delicate. She still maintained a cautious distance, but her movements were imbued with a subtle naturalness and concern. He remained silent, but when she occasionally touched his wound clumsily while changing the dressing, he no longer responded with a cold look of disapproval, but instead gave a subtle frown or simply closed his eyes, acquiescing to her approach.
This change is as subtle as a gossamer, but it really exists.
That afternoon, just as Su Wanqing had finished changing Huo Tingxiao's medication, Assistant Chen called her home phone. When she picked up, Assistant Chen's voice sounded hesitant and serious.
"Madam, is the commander resting? I have something to report."
"He's in the study. Do you need me to transfer him?"
"Um...it's about the Military Region General Hospital Foundation's charity dinner tonight. Originally, Minister Zhang from the Logistics Department was to represent us, but we just received notice that Deputy Chief of Staff Lin from headquarters has made a last-minute decision to attend, and several senior officers will also be there. The level of attention has been raised, and Minister Zhang suggested...suggesting that if the commander's health permits, it would be best for him to attend in person to show his respect."
Su Wanqing's heart skipped a beat. Deputy Chief of General Staff Lin? She remembered Huo Tingxiao mentioning that this Deputy Chief was an old subordinate of his father's, who had helped him a lot and they had a close relationship. If he attended in person, it would be rude for Huo Tingxiao not to go.
"I'll ask the chief." She covered the microphone, walked to the door of the study, knocked gently, and repeated Assistant Chen's words.
The study was silent for a few seconds, and then Huo Tingxiao's low voice came: "Tell Assistant Chen that I will be there on time."
Su Wanqing agreed and told Assistant Chen.
After hanging up the phone, she stood there, hesitant. Would he need a female companion for an occasion like this? Would he ask her to go?
As she was hesitating, the study door opened. Huo Tingxiao stood at the door, his right hand still hanging, looking at her calmly, "There's an event tonight. Get ready and come along."
His tone was still one of notification, not negotiation. But Su Wanqing's heart inexplicably quickened. This was the first time he had proactively asked her to accompany him to such a high-level, formal social event.
"Okay." She nodded in agreement.
"Yeah." Huo Tingxiao glanced at her, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he just said, "Assistant Chen will deliver the dress and jewelry." After that, he closed the door.
In the evening, Assistant Chen promptly delivered an exquisite gift box. Inside was a smoky gray floor-length dress, simple and elegant in style, the fabric draping and lustrous, and the cut impeccable. It was paired with a matching clutch and a pair of understated satin heels. The jewelry was a simple set of pearls, elegant and graceful.
Su Wanqing donned a dress, perfectly sized to her slender figure, accentuating her fair skin and evoking a cool, elegant air. She tied her hair up, added pearl earrings, and applied a touch of makeup. The woman in the mirror, with her features as picturesque as a painting, was calm and composed, possessing the air of a "chief's wife."
When she finished packing and walked down the stairs, Huo Tingxiao was already waiting in the living room. He had changed into a neatly tailored dark blue officer's uniform, the golden tassels on his epaulettes gleaming. His injured right arm was cleverly concealed beneath his dress coat, making it inconspicuous without a close look. He heard footsteps and looked up.
The moment their eyes met, his expression seemed to freeze for a moment, a fleeting, elusive glimmer of light flashing across his deep eyes before he regained his composure. He said nothing, only a barely perceptible nod, turned, and said, "Let's go."
"Yes." Su Wanqing followed him, the faint hope in her heart quietly dashed, and then she smiled self-deprecatingly. Did she still expect him to praise her? Being able to attend the meeting so calmly was already progress.
The evening party was held in the largest banquet hall at the military district guesthouse. When they arrived, the hall was already packed with well-dressed guests and prominent military figures. Soothing symphonic music flowed, creating a solemn and lively atmosphere.
Huo Tingxiao's appearance immediately attracted numerous glances. Although his right arm was in a sling, his posture remained upright and stern, his aura powerful. People kept coming forward to greet him, salute, and exchange pleasantries. Su Wanqing quietly followed him, maintaining a perfectly composed smile and nodding in response to everyone's greetings, her demeanor calm and composed, neither humble nor overbearing.
She could feel the gazes on her, more intense and scrutinizing than ever before. Curious, probing, evaluating, but without the previous contempt and questioning. Her last performance at the retirement home and Huo Tingxiao's subtle defense seemed to have had some effect.
Although Huo Tingxiao was a man of few words, he would briefly mention "my wife" when introducing himself, and would subtly steer the subject away when someone tried to pry deeper. This tacit understanding, perceived as protection, gave Su Wanqing some peace of mind.
Everything seems to be moving in the right direction.
until--
Halfway through the banquet, when the host was introducing the foundation's key projects this year on the stage, there was suddenly a slight commotion at the entrance of the banquet hall.
Many people looked in the direction of the sound.
A group of people, chatting and laughing, entered the meeting hall. Leading the group was a vigorous, veteran general with three gold stars on his epaulettes. It was none other than Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lin. Flanking him were several senior generals and dignitaries.
The one who walked in with Deputy Chief of General Staff Lin's arm in hers and a sweet smile on her face was none other than Lin Weiwei.
She was clearly dressed tonight, wearing a nude pink, beaded, embroidered dress from the latest Valentino collection. Her makeup was exquisite, her hair was meticulously styled, and a dazzling diamond necklace adorned her neck. Her radiant presence instantly captured the attention of the entire audience. She and Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lin acted intimately, like a beloved junior.
Their appearance immediately made them the focus of the whole audience, and everyone came forward to greet them.
Deputy Chief of General Staff Lin smiled and greeted everyone. His eyes swept across the room and soon landed on Huo Tingxiao. He smiled and waved, "Tingxiao! Come here!"
Huo Tingxiao frowned slightly, then regained his composure and walked towards that direction with Su Wanqing.
"Uncle Lin." Huo Tingxiao bowed slightly and greeted him, his tone full of respect for his elders.
"Good, good, good! How's your injury? I heard you were injured while saving someone? Well done! You didn't bring shame to your father!" Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lin patted Huo Tingxiao's uninjured left shoulder vigorously. His voice was loud and clear, with the boldness and appreciation unique to soldiers.
His gaze immediately fell on Su Wanqing, who was standing beside Huo Tingxiao. With a look of scrutiny and curiosity, he asked, "Who is this...?"
"Uncle Lin, this is my wife, Su Wanqing." Huo Tingxiao introduced in a steady tone.
Su Wanqing bowed slightly and greeted politely, "Hello, Vice Director Lin."
Deputy Chief of General Staff Lin looked at her, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he smiled and said, "Great! A talented man and a beautiful woman! Tingxiao, you are so lucky!" This sounded like a compliment, but there was not much deep meaning, more like a polite remark.
However, Lin Weiwei, who was standing next to Deputy Chief of General Staff Lin, smiled and spoke in a sweet, clear voice, instantly drawing everyone's attention back to herself: "Dad, stop praising Brother Tingxiao! Sister Su is the one who really shines today!" She affectionately took Deputy Chief of General Staff Lin's arm, turned her gaze to Su Wanqing, and smiled impeccably. "Sister Su, you chose this set of pearl jewelry very well. It's gentle and generous, and it suits you perfectly. Unlike me, I just like these dazzling stones, which are so tacky~"
Her words seemed to be praising Su Wanqing, but in fact, every sentence was highlighting her own sense of superiority - she called Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lin "Dad", showing his special status; she called Huo Tingxiao "Brother Tingxiao", emphasizing the close relationship; she belittled her diamonds as "vulgar", but in fact she was showing off their high value, and implied that Su Wanqing could only wear "gentle" pearls.
Several wives and officials surrounding Deputy Director Lin laughed, and the atmosphere became subtle.
Su Wanqing's expression remained unchanged. Just as she was about to speak, Huo Tingxiao spoke first. He didn't look at Lin Weiwei, but instead addressed Deputy Chief of Staff Lin, "Uncle Lin, Miss Weiwei is joking. Wanqing doesn't like to be flamboyant; she prefers simplicity." His tone was calm, yet he directly labeled Lin Weiwei's little thought a "joke" and reaffirmed Su Wanqing's taste.
The smile on Lin Weiwei's face froze for a moment.
Deputy Chief of Staff Lin seemed oblivious to the younger generation's witty banter and laughed heartily. "Each has his own merits! They're all good!" He turned to Lin Weiwei and said, "Haven't you always been talking about wanting to do something for the foundation? Perfect, I'll introduce you to some of the directors."
Lin Weiwei immediately regained her sweet smile: "Okay! Thank you, Dad!" As she spoke, her eyes seemed to casually sweep over Huo Tingxiao, with a hint of grievance and anger, and then she followed Deputy Chief of General Staff Lin to go elsewhere.
From beginning to end, she didn't say a word to Su Wanqing, as if she was just an insignificant background.
However, her appearance, her close relationship with Deputy Chief of General Staff Lin, her special way of addressing and treating Huo Tingxiao, and Huo Tingxiao's momentary silence and slightly complicated look... all of these were like tiny needles, silently piercing Su Wanqing's heart.
This "white moonlight" was finally no longer satisfied with the provocations and hints in the dark, but chose to make her official debut in the most formal and high-profile occasion in the most dazzling way.
She stood at the center of power, with her innate superiority and unquestionable closeness, issuing a silent but extremely clear challenge to her.
Su Wanqing stood there, looking at Lin Weiwei's slim back and the ease with which she dealt with the big guys, her fingers curled slightly.
She felt that the aura around Huo Tingxiao beside her seemed to be a little colder and harder than before.
This dinner party suddenly became a little boring.
Beneath the ice, the undercurrent is becoming increasingly turbulent.
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