Chapter 78 Flying together and growing together
The honor of the International Design Award, like a dazzling halo, not only illuminated Su Wanqing's path forward but also solidified her image within the compound and beyond. She was no longer the vague "Mrs. Huo," dependent on Huo Tingxiao's aura, but a well-known Su Wanqing, respected for her talent and hard work. This recognition gave her a calm and confident aura, her gaze more determined, her steps more composed.
And Huo Tingxiao was also quietly changing in this journey where it seemed like he was unilaterally supporting her career.
He remained the same cold, imposing, and deferential Commander Huo, but in subtle, unnoticed details, the interior of the frozen snowy mountain was experiencing an unprecedented warmth and reshaping. He grew accustomed to the occasional waft of pencil shavings and the faint scent of paint in his study, to offering her a glass of warm water when she frowned in thought, and even to being drawn to her inspired design sketches while flipping through military journals. He began to consider the marriage of "function" and "beauty" from a fresh, non-military perspective.
Her world, that realm of design, brimming with lines, colors, imagination, and humanistic care, was like a wondrous window, allowing him to glimpse a new kind of creativity and tenderness beyond the smoke and dust of war and discipline. He still didn't understand those profound aesthetic theories, but he began to understand the understanding and respect for humanity embedded in every detail she touched upon—a strangely similar endeavor to his own pursuit of protecting every soldier's life on the battlefield with the finest equipment.
This realization gave him a deeper respect and...appreciation for her and the cause she loved.
Their communication is no longer limited to trivial matters of life or one-way technical consultation, but has begun to become a true and equal "discussion".
Sometimes, Su Wanqing would present several color schemes and earnestly ask for his opinion: "From your point of view, which camouflage color scheme would cause less visual fatigue in a jungle environment?"
Sometimes, when Huo Tingxiao was reviewing proposals for new individual soldier equipment, he would suddenly point to a certain structure and ask her, "From your design perspective, does this curvature conform to ergonomics? Will it create unnecessary pressure points?"
He even discussed the design of military uniforms with her for the first time, seriously pointing out: "The current dress cuff design does have flaws, which affects the smoothness and appearance of the salute."
These conversations often left Assistant Chen stunned, his voice pounding inwardly: "Chief, didn't you used to be annoyed by these frivolous things?! Now you're even concerned about the curvature of your cuffs?! Love truly makes people... uh, strive for perfection!"
Su Wanqing also keenly sensed his change. She was delighted to discover that he was no longer just a "consultant" offering cold technical specifications, but had begun to understand the logic and emotion behind her expertise. She became more active in sharing her inspirations and challenges with him, and his advice, often imbued with a deep understanding of the user, was more insightful and valuable.
This spiritual resonance made Su Wanqing feel happier and more satisfied than any sweet words. She truly felt that they were leaving deeper and deeper marks in each other's world and growing together.
This "flying together" situation soon ushered in the first real "joint operation".
The Military Region Logistics Department was commissioned to prepare a large-scale exhibition showcasing the achievements of military modernization and humanistic care. The exhibition required a key section showcasing the evolution and innovation of individual soldier uniforms and equipment. Upon learning of Su Wanqing's award and her design concept, the project leader approached her, hoping she could participate in the visual design and planning of the experience area.
This is an extremely glorious task, but also full of challenges. It requires designers to have a deep understanding of military traditions and actual combat needs, as well as forward-looking aesthetics and innovative expression.
Su Wanqing felt both excited and overwhelmed. Without hesitation, she immediately sought out Huo Tingxiao and explained the project requirements in detail. Her eyes gleamed with eagerness, yet also with a hint of trepidation as she sought support.
Huo Tingxiao listened carefully and pondered for a moment. He didn't immediately express his support or opposition. Instead, he raised a key question: "How do you ensure that your design does not deviate from the core spirit and actual combat requirements of the military?"
This question hit the nail on the head. Su Wanqing took a deep breath and laid out her initial ideas, emphasizing the core principles of "respecting tradition, serving practical needs, and demonstrating care."
Huo Tingxiao listened, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table, his eyes sharp as an eagle. After she finished, he offered several pointed yet crucial revision suggestions, all focused on how to better reflect the tactical context, how to avoid a design that was too "civilian," and how to ensure that every innovation was backed by solid practical logic.
His strictness was even a little harsh, but Su Wanqing knew that this was exactly what she needed most. She carefully wrote down every suggestion, her eyes brightening. "I understand! These points are crucial! I'll make adjustments right away!"
Seeing her fully committed and undeterred appearance, the corners of Huo Tingxiao's hard lips softened slightly. He stood up, walked to his desk, picked up the internal phone, and directly connected to the number of the leader of the logistics department.
"Old Li, my wife, Su Wanqing, can participate in the exhibition design." He went straight to the point, his tone unquestionable and affirmative, but his next words stunned the person on the other end of the line. "As a technical support and combat needs consultant, I will also participate in the review of some core aspects. The principle is that all designs must serve combat effectiveness and meet actual combat requirements."
Minister Li on the other end of the phone was clearly surprised and delighted, and responded repeatedly, "Great! With Chief Huo personally overseeing this, we can rest assured! Comrade Xiao Su's professional ability combined with your practical vision, this section will definitely become a highlight of the exhibition!"
After hanging up the phone, Huo Tingxiao looked at the shocked Su Wanqing and said calmly, "From now on, the final review of your design will be with me."
Su Wanqing's heart was pounding, not because of fear, but because of great surprise and... an indescribable excitement. He was not interfering, but... wanted to fight alongside her!
In the following days, the study at home was completely transformed into a temporary "joint project command center."
Late at night, the lights were bright. The desk was covered with various historical materials, equipment drawings, fabric samples, and Su Wanqing's design sketches.
Su Wanqing concentrated on outlining the lines and adjusting the color scheme, sometimes thinking intently, sometimes recording quickly.
Huo Tingxiao sat across from her, reviewing the sketches that were infused with her ingenuity. His eyes were sharp, and he would sometimes mark details that needed to be modified with a red pen, and sometimes pick up a ruler to measure data to ensure that every parameter met the actual standards.
Sometimes they would argue endlessly over the concealment effectiveness of a camouflage pattern, and sometimes they would reach a high degree of consensus on the opening design of a storage bag. He tempered her creativity with the most demanding actual combat standards, and she enriched his logic with more humane details.
"This waterproof layer structure draws on the design concept of the latest bulletproof inserts, but the weight must be reduced by another 15%."
"I think we can add a quick-drain channel to the lining, referring to the improvement plan for mountain combat uniforms you mentioned earlier."
"The color won't work. It's too reflective in the desert and will be easily exposed. Use the matte color in the third row of this color chart."
"This Velcro area is too small to operate with tactical gloves. Expand it 1.5 times."
Arguments, adjustments, collisions, and complementary efforts permeate the air, creating a tension of intense focus and efficient collaboration. They are no longer simply a couple, but more like comrades in arms on the battlefield, working tirelessly towards a common goal.
The process was arduous but also filled with passion. Su Wanqing would often fall asleep on the table, exhausted, only to wake up to find his coat draped over her and a cup of warm milk on the corner. Huo Tingxiao's eyes were bloodshot, but he remained meticulous as he reviewed the drawings. Only when she came up with a brilliant idea would his eyes flicker with undisguised admiration.
Finally, through the close collaboration between the two, a design plan that was both visually impactful and full of practical details and humanistic care was perfectly produced. It received high praise from the exhibition organizing committee and was even evaluated as "the visual work that best reflects our army's concept of 'people-oriented, science and technology-driven' in recent years."
On the opening day of the exhibition, Huo Tingxiao and Su Wanqing stood side by side in front of the exhibition area that was the result of their joint efforts.
Looking at the audience, especially the young soldiers, excitedly trying out the new equipment in the experience area and stopping to admire the design-filled display boards, Su Wanqing's eyes became slightly moist and her heart was filled with a great sense of accomplishment.
She quietly turned her head to look at the straight-limbed, stern-faced man beside her. Sunlight filtered through the glass ceiling of the exhibition hall, falling on the star-shaped military officer on his shoulder, reflecting a dazzling light and softening the hard lines of his profile.
As if sensing her gaze, Huo Tingxiao also tilted his head slightly. Their eyes met, silent, yet they saw the same relief, pride, and an indescribable, deep understanding in each other's eyes.
He reached out his hand naturally, and in the shadow of the unnoticed display board, he gently held her hand. His palm was warm and rough, with a reassuring strength.
Su Wanqing held his hand with her backhand, a bright smile appearing on the corner of her lips.
Fly side by side and grow together.
They fight and strive forward in their own ways on their own battlefields, but they also rely closely on each other and achieve each other on the spiritual heights.
He guarded her dreams, gave her the sky to soar and the solid ground to stand on.
She used her talent and warmth to inject a touch of brilliant color and soft vitality into his cold and rigorous world.
There may still be challenges ahead, but at this moment, they are hand in hand, connected in heart and fearless.
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