Chapter 74: The relationship is made public, causing a sensation in the compound
That heavy and clumsy confession, paved with bullet casings and badges, under the moonlight, was like a final beam of light, completely dispelling the last trace of gloom and uncertainty in Su Wanqing's heart. Her "yes," spoken with tears and a smile, seemed to open up a whole new world full of warmth.
From that night on, their relationship underwent a qualitative leap. The thin veil of "estrangement" and "testing" was completely lifted, replaced by an unspoken understanding and... a growing intimacy.
Huo Tingxiao was still not the most expressive person, but he no longer hid his concern and care. He would naturally push her favorite dishes in front of her at the dinner table; he would quietly place warm water next to her when she was reading; when she stayed up late drawing, he would frown and remind her to get some rest. His tone was harsh, but it was filled with unmistakable concern.
He even began to try to...participate in her world.
Although he still knew nothing about design, his aesthetic remaining at the level of "practical and durable," he would carefully examine her sketches, occasionally offering some amusing yet inexplicably insightful comments from a profoundly pragmatic perspective (e.g., "This pocket design is ill-conceived; the magazine will fall out when loaded," or "This color provides poor concealment at night"). Su Wanqing's initial astonishment, followed by uncontrollable laughter, and now her willingness to accept and even occasionally adopt these suggestions, was a process filled with indescribable warmth and joy.
Su Wanqing, meanwhile, let go of all her guard and burdens. She began to accept his kindness, actively caring for his shoulder injury and even making him a cup of ginseng tea when he was tired from work. Her smiles grew more frequent, her eyes brighter, and the inner peace and happiness she felt gave her a moving glow.
They still didn't say too many sweet words, but a look, a subtle movement, were filled with silent warmth and tacit understanding.
This change was subtle but not to be ignored and was soon noticed by the people closest to him.
Assistant Chen was the first to notice. He could clearly sense that the chief was in a much better mood. Though still serious, the perennial coldness between his brows seemed to have melted considerably. Occasionally, he could even see the corners of his lips lift ever so slightly, almost imperceptibly. The chief's attention to and arrangements for his wife were also more meticulous and thoughtful. It was no longer just official "care," but rather a kind of... well, Assistant Chen didn't dare to dwell on it, but it was definitely the kind of concern a man has for a woman.
Xia Xiaoran was so excited she nearly jumped up. During a private meeting, she grabbed Su Wanqing's hand and excitedly demanded, "Qingqing! Tell the truth! Are you and Iceberg Face... huh? Is the storm over?! You look so much better lately! Your eyes are shining! Has he finally come to his senses?!"
Su Wanqing's cheeks flushed at her question, but she didn't deny it. She just smiled with her lips pursed, and the sweetness in her eyes almost overflowed. Seeing this, Xia Xiaoran immediately understood what she meant and hugged her excitedly, jumping up and down: "Great! I knew it! The clouds will eventually clear and the moon will appear! That iceberg is finally not blind!"
However, what really brought this change to a climax and made it known to the public was an unavoidable public event.
The military region's annual New Year's party was a high-profile affair, with all senior officers and their families required to attend. This was the first time Huo Tingxiao and Su Wanqing had officially appeared together as a married couple before the entire military region's top brass.
In the past, Huo Tingxiao might have found an excuse to go alone, or even if he went together, he would have kept a cold face and kept his distance. But this time, his attitude was completely different.
The day before the reunion, he went home early to personally inquire about Su Wanqing's dress and arrangements. He even had Assistant Chen invite the same craftsman he had previously worked with, the one who had designed Su Wanqing's evening gown, to have a new dress custom-made for her. It wasn't an extravagant or extravagant style, but rather an elegant, well-cut, lilac-colored gown that suited the solemnity of the occasion while cleverly incorporating a touch of Chinese ink painting. It was understated yet striking.
On the evening of the New Year's party, when Huo Tingxiao, dressed in a neat military uniform, and Su Wanqing, a graceful young lady in a lilac dress and lightly made-up, appeared at the door of the banquet hall, the entire hall seemed to be silent for a moment.
Almost all eyes were focused on him, filled with surprise, inquiry, disbelief, and a variety of complex emotions.
You know, rumors about this "substitute bride" couple had already spread throughout the compound. Claims like "love discord," "they're like strangers," and "the leader absolutely loathes this wife" were rampant, especially after the Lin Weiwei incident and the magazine article controversy. Many people were waiting to see the joke, even speculating that Su Wanqing might not even show up tonight, or that if she did, she'd be ignored.
However, the scene before their eyes completely overturned everyone's imagination!
Huo Tingxiao's expression remained stern, his aura powerful. However, the way he leaned slightly to protect Su Wanqing, the natural demeanor as he lowered his head to whisper to her, and the calm, proper, even slightly happy smile on Su Wanqing's face... all pointed to one fact: those rumors were bullshit! This couple's relationship was perfectly fine! In fact... surprisingly so!
"Commander Huo, Mrs. Huo, good evening." The staff responsible for welcoming guests was the first to react and hurried forward to greet them in a more respectful tone.
Huo Tingxiao nodded slightly in response, but his eyes never left Su Wanqing. He asked in a low voice, "Are you nervous?"
Su Wanqing raised her head, smiled at him, shook her head, and said softly: "With you here, I'm not nervous."
This extremely natural and dependent interaction once again caught the attention of those around them, causing more inner shock.
Next, during the entire group gathering, Huo Tingxiao used his actions to fully demonstrate the meaning of "protecting his wife".
He kept Su Wanqing by his side throughout the whole process. Whether he was greeting his superiors or chatting with colleagues, he would naturally introduce her: "This is my wife, Su Wanqing." His tone was flat, but with unquestionable affirmation.
When an elder or leader asked Su Wanqing about her with concern (more or less with a prying tone), he would answer on their behalf concisely but clearly, skillfully blocking some overly personal questions and maintaining her boundaries.
Even when someone with no sense of hearing (perhaps having believed the rumors spread by Lin Weiwei) spoke with a hint of probing or contempt, a cold glance from Huo Tingxiao was enough to silence them immediately, causing them to break into a cold sweat and never dare to act rashly again.
He didn't need to say much, his attitude was the clearest signal - Su Wanqing was his, Huo Tingxiao's legitimate wife, whom he valued extremely. Respecting her was respecting him.
Su Wanqing's performance was also flawless. She was graceful and well-mannered, her words modest yet measured, and she always wore a gentle, appropriate smile. She didn't deliberately cling to Huo Tingxiao. When he discussed official business with colleagues, she would quietly listen, or engage in tactful conversation with other leaders' wives, demonstrating good upbringing and grace, without a hint of timidity, and completely dispelling the previous slander that she was "petty" and "unpresentable."
The two stood together, one cold and resolute, the other gentle and quiet. They had very different temperaments, but they seemed strangely well-matched and harmonious, as if they were born to stand side by side.
That night, Huo Tingxiao and Su Wanqing announced their relationship to the highest levels of the entire military region in the most indisputable way, and completely shattered all false rumors.
The word "sensational" is not enough to describe the effect of that night.
It's simply...explosive!
All those who had previously been pessimistic, skeptical, or even secretly laughing at the joke were stunned by this unexpected scene, and then quickly adjusted their attitudes, putting on warm smiles on their faces, and their words were full of compliments and blessings.
"Commander Huo and his wife are truly a match made in heaven!"
"I've long heard that Madam Huo is a kind and elegant lady. Seeing her today, I can see that her reputation is truly well-deserved!"
"Congratulations, Chief, on finding your perfect match!"
All kinds of flattery can be heard everywhere.
Xia Xiaoran hid in the crowd, looking at those people who were whispering before now with smiles on their faces. She almost couldn't help rolling her eyes, but in her heart she felt extremely relieved and happy for Su Wanqing.
Old Master Huo, who was sitting at the main seat, looked at his grandson and his wife standing side by side in the audience, looking an unusually harmonious couple. A rare smile of satisfaction appeared on his usually serious face. He nodded slightly and whispered to his old friend beside him, "This kid finally did something decent."
After the party ended, Huo Tingxiao still held Su Wanqing's arm and left calmly under the various ambiguous gazes of the crowd.
Only after getting into the car and being blocked from the outside world did Su Wanqing breathe a sigh of relief, and her straight back relaxed slightly.
"Tired?" Huo Tingxiao turned his head to look at her, his voice a little softer than usual.
"A little bit." Su Wanqing nodded honestly, showing him a slightly tired but satisfied smile, "But I'm very happy."
Huo Tingxiao looked at her bright eyes and slightly red cheeks with a deep gaze. He reached out his hand, naturally held her hand on her knee, and squeezed it gently.
"It will be like this from now on." His low voice rang out in the car, carrying an unquestionable promise.
Su Wanqing held his warm hand in return, her heart filled with great warmth and a sense of security.
She knew that from tonight on, everything would be different.
She was no longer the "substitute bride" who hid in the shadows and was pointed at by others, but the "Mrs. Huo" who stood by him openly and was recognized and protected by him.
The relationship became public, causing a sensation in the compound.
Rumors stop with the wise, and even more so with the undisguised favoritism and protection of the strong.
Their future finally cleared up and they embarked on a bright and sunny road.
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