Chapter 77 Her Career, His Support
That visit to the border post was like a window, opening a whole new, broader world for Su Wanqing. For the first time, she felt the weight behind the word "soldier," and realized that as a military wife, she could do much more than simply stay within her bounds and avoid causing trouble.
This realization quietly gave birth to the seed of her design dream in her heart. She longed to use her knowledge and expertise to do something for those most beloved people, even if it was just a tiny change, a little warmth.
Once this idea took root, it quickly flourished. She began to devote herself more fully to study and design, no longer simply for personal interest or to prove herself, but driven by a heavy sense of responsibility and mission. She pored over extensive materials on military logistics, equipment, and the daily needs of soldiers, seeking insights and possibilities for her designs.
Her changes naturally did not escape Huo Tingxiao's eyes.
He noticed that beside the fashionable design magazines on her desk, there were gradually more books on military materials, ergonomics, and even battlefield first aid. Camouflage, combat boots, and carrying gear began to appear frequently in her design sketches. She even asked him some strange questions, such as "Which part of your clothes are you most afraid of getting worn out during field training?" "How do you balance flexibility and warmth in winter combat gloves?" "Where is the most convenient place to put a soldier's first aid kit without affecting tactical movements?"...
The questions were both incisive and pragmatic, often leaving Huo Tingxiao stunned for a moment, before a subtle flicker of admiration and...interest flashed across his eyes. He would put down the documents in his hands, think deeply, and then offer a practical answer, even picking up a pen and sketching simple structural diagrams in the blank spaces of her sketches.
This unique "cross-border" exchange gradually became a new kind of tacit understanding and joy between them. One pursues beauty and innovation with unrestrained imagination, while the other focuses on practicality and efficiency. Although seemingly polar opposites, their collision unexpectedly sparks a new chemistry, complementing and inspiring each other.
Su Wanqing's design ideas became more mature and grounded through this encounter, less student-like and more grounded in practical considerations. And Huo Tingxiao, in her focused and passionate eyes, seemed to see another world, a world brimming with creativity, far removed from the smoke of battle. His hard, stoic mouth would occasionally elevate in a barely perceptible twitch when he approved of one of her brilliant ideas.
The real turning point happened one weekend afternoon.
Su Wanqing received a call from her university advisor, who excitedly told her that Wings of Hope, an internationally renowned public design organization, was soliciting proposals for functional clothing and equipment improvements for special occupations (including military personnel, firefighters, and rescue workers). Winning entries were expected to receive funding and be put into production trials. Her advisor strongly encouraged her to participate, believing her design concept was a perfect fit with her recent research.
After hanging up the phone, Su Wanqing's heart was pounding with excitement. This was a perfect opportunity! But amidst the excitement, a hint of uneasiness quietly emerged. Such a competition would definitely require a huge investment of time and energy, and it would involve the improvement of military equipment. Would it be too sensitive? Would Huo Tingxiao support it?
She hesitated, not knowing how to start.
During dinner, she seemed a little absent-minded, her chopsticks unconsciously fiddling with the rice in the bowl.
"What's up?" Huo Tingxiao put down his chopsticks and looked at her sharply.
Su Wanqing took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind, and told him everything about the "Wings of Hope" competition and her thoughts, her tone full of anticipation and uneasiness.
After she finished speaking, she looked at him nervously, waiting for his reaction. Questioning? Objection? Or...
Huo Tingxiao was silent for a few seconds, frowning slightly, as if thinking.
Su Wanqing's heart sank a little bit... As expected, was it too unrealistic?
Just when she was about to give up, Huo Tingxiao suddenly spoke up, asking a question that completely surprised her: "What exactly does the plan involve? What's the confidentiality level?"
Su Wanqing was stunned for a moment, then quickly explained, "This is a public welfare design improvement, focusing on comfort, durability, and some humane details. It doesn't involve any core military secrets or cutting-edge technology. The entry proposal will also be reviewed by the organizing committee and relevant parties..."
Huo Tingxiao nodded, his expression slightly relaxed, and asked, "What support do you need?"
Su Wanqing was stunned again, almost doubting she had misheard. He...didn't object? He was still asking what support he needed?
Seeing her dazed expression, Huo Tingxiao raised his eyebrows slightly, his tone remaining calm. "Information review? Venue? Or... technical guidance?"
The huge surprise instantly overwhelmed her anxiety! Su Wanqing's eyes suddenly lit up, and she nodded quickly: "Yes! All of them! Especially some of the pain points and requirements in actual use, and... the performance parameters of some special materials..."
"Yeah." Huo Tingxiao responded, took out his phone, and called Assistant Chen directly. He gave a concise instruction, "Contact Engineer Zhang from the Logistics Equipment Department Research Institute at 10:00 tomorrow morning. Have him bring some non-confidential individual uniform materials and samples. My wife needs them."
After giving the order, he hung up the phone and looked at Su Wanqing, who was still in shock and ecstasy. He said lightly: "He will come over tomorrow. Tell him directly if you need anything. He will tell you if it involves confidentiality red lines."
"Thank you! Thank you, Chief!" Su Wanqing's cheeks flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkled, and she almost jumped up.
Huo Tingxiao looked at her joyful expression, his eyes softening for a moment before returning to their hard, cold look. He picked up his chopsticks and added casually, "Do it well. Don't embarrass yourself."
The tone was still firm, but Su Wanqing could hear silent encouragement and expectation in it.
From this moment on, Huo Tingxiao's support was upgraded from "tacit approval" to "actual action."
He leveraged his connections and resources to help her overcome numerous non-confidential technical barriers. Engineer Zhang from the Logistics and Equipment Department arrived as scheduled, not only bringing a wealth of valuable information and samples, but also answering Su Wanqing's numerous "layman" yet crucial questions with exceptional professionalism and patience. He even became her "technical advisor" for the project.
Huo Tingxiao's study was occasionally "requisitioned" as her "design studio," with the desk covered in fabric samples, design drawings, and measuring tools. He never complained. Sometimes, when he came home late at night and saw her still working at her desk, he would silently help her organize her scattered documents or bring her a cup of hot milk.
He even picked up her sketch when she was racking her brains over a connection structure, and marked on it with a red pen several extremely professional mechanical bearing points and recommended connection models, thus solving her bottleneck.
Su Wanqing devoted herself to this project. She visited numerous veterans and active-duty service members in the military's family compound, listening to their needs and complaints. She repeatedly tested various fabrics for wear resistance, breathability, and water resistance. She repeatedly adjusted the fit on a mannequin, striving for just a few millimeters of comfort.
She was busy, yet fulfilled and happy. Her eyes sparkled with confidence and focus, and her whole body seemed to be on fire, radiating an unprecedented spirit.
Huo Tingxiao observed all of this. Although he remained silent, the admiration and... a certain hidden pride in his eyes became increasingly evident. He would "conveniently" help her solve technical problems she couldn't solve, firmly "order" her to rest when she worked up late, and when she made even the smallest breakthrough, he would reward her in his own unique way—for example, by asking the kitchen to prepare one of her favorite dishes.
Ultimately, with Huo Tingxiao's seemingly indifferent but ingenious support, Su Wanqing successfully submitted a robust, ingenious, and highly practical design proposal. The proposal focused on improving combat boots and thermal underwear for patrol officers in high-altitude, cold regions. While ensuring tactical performance, it significantly enhanced comfort and durability, showcasing thoughtful attention to detail.
A few months later, the results of the competition were announced.
Su Wanqing's work stood out from thousands of proposals from around the world and won two major awards: the "Most Practical Value Design Award" and the "Best Humanistic Care Award"!
Su Wanqing was in the living room revising another sketch when the news came. She was stunned when she received the call from her mentor with the good news. Tears welled up in her eyes without warning, clutching the phone. She was filled with joy, excitement, and the immense sense of accomplishment of having her hard work recognized.
Huo Tingxiao came home a little earlier than usual that day. When he entered, Su Wanqing was still immersed in great excitement, with tears still on her face and a bright smile. She was like a happy little bird, eager to share the good news with him.
"Chief! I won an award! Two awards!" She held up her mobile phone, and on the screen was a congratulatory letter from the organizing committee, her eyes shining brightly.
Huo Tingxiao paused at the entrance, his gaze fixed on her flushed cheeks and radiant smile. A subtle ripple seemed to flicker across his deep eyes. He silently took off his coat and hung it up, then walked over to her.
He lowered his head and looked at the congratulatory letter on her phone for a long time, so long that Su Wanqing thought he didn't see it clearly or was not interested.
Then, he raised his head, his gaze returning to her face. The corners of his hard lips curved upwards very slowly, yet distinctly.
It was a genuine, unconcealed smile, even one that held a hint of... pride.
Although it was very faint, it instantly brightened up his entire stern face.
"Yeah." He uttered a single syllable, his voice a little deeper and softer than usual. "Got it."
After saying this, he extended his hand, not to shake her hand, not to pat her shoulder, but—very naturally—he gently wiped away the remaining tear marks from the corners of her eyes with his fingertips. His movements were a little stiff, but they carried an indescribable tenderness and... pride.
"Well done." He looked at her and added four words, each one clear and resounding.
At this moment, Su Wanqing's heart seemed to be completely filled with the warmest sunshine, making it sour and sweet.
For the first time, her career and her dream received his most direct, affirmative, and most desired recognition.
His support is as silent as a mountain, yet as heavy as the earth.
And with his support, she finally spread her wings and flew into the vast sky that belonged to her.
Their worlds are closely intertwined and sparkling in another way.
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