Chapter 38: Jealous eyes, hidden arrows are hard to guard against
Mr. Huo's favor served as a solid barrier, earning Su Wanqing a breathing space and basic respect within the Huo family and the compound. The blatant contempt and harassment diminished significantly, and Assistant Chen and the orderly became more respectful. Su Wanqing's life seemed to be gradually entering a relatively stable trajectory.
She continued to take care of the household, hone her cooking skills, and take classes, occasionally attending necessary family events accompanied by Assistant Chen. She became increasingly calm and low-key, treating people with a balanced attitude, neither trying to please nor being overly distant, and gradually won the recognition of some elders and peers.
However, beneath the calm surface, undercurrents never ceased to surge. Lin Weiwei's hostility, in particular, far from subsiding despite Mr. Huo's attitude, became even more acute and subtle due to Huo Tingxiao's unexpected "protection" and the growing "understanding" between them.
Lin Weiwei remained a frequent guest and focal point at the military's various cultural events. Leveraging her privileged position alongside Deputy Chief of General Staff Lin and her own talents, she easily became the center of attention. Her attitude toward Su Wanqing also grew increasingly affectionate and thoughtful, as if they were close sisters who had known each other for years. However, the sharp wit in her words and the icy glare in her eyes were only palpable to Su Wanqing herself.
That day, the Women's Federation of the compound organized a calligraphy and painting exchange themed "Military Family Traditions," inviting several renowned military calligraphers and painters, as well as some family members with similar interests. Su Wanqing had initially been reluctant to attend, but Assistant Chen had conveyed that Mr. Huo seemed quite interested in such traditional activities, so she reluctantly attended.
The venue was decorated in an antique style, the air permeated with the fragrance of ink. Lin Weiwei, one of the event's co-organizers, was wearing a refined, simple cheongsam. She was smiling gently as several senior officials and calligraphers and painters appreciated the works of art. Her graceful demeanor drew nods of approval from the crowd.
Seeing Su Wanqing coming in, Lin Weiwei's eyes lit up, and she immediately came up to her affectionately and took her arm: "Sister Su, you're here! Come in! General Li is commenting on the painting "Loyalty to the Country", and his comments are so wonderful!" She pulled Su Wanqing in front of a white-haired old general without saying anything.
"General Li, this is Commander Huo Tingxiao's wife, Sister Su Wanqing." Lin Weiwei introduced with a smile, "Sister Wanqing also likes to read and is very interested in traditional culture!"
General Li looked at Su Wanqing and nodded slightly. "Oh? Tingxiao's family? It's a good thing that young people like traditional culture."
Su Wanqing quickly bowed slightly and said, "Hello, General Li. I only know the basics and still need to learn from you seniors."
Lin Weiwei smiled and continued, her tone tinged with subtle flattery. "General Li, you're too modest. Sister Wanqing is quite talented. Last time at the family dinner, her understanding of the braised Buddha jumps over the wall even impressed our master chef! I bet she has her own insights into calligraphy and painting, right?" She cast her gaze towards the powerfully written "Loyalty to the Country" on the wall and asked with a smile, "Sister Wanqing, what do you think of this calligraphy? I heard you studied calligraphy for a few years with a famous master in the south when you were a child."
This statement seemed to praise her for her broad knowledge and background, but in fact it put her on the spot. The people present were all masters and enthusiasts who had been immersed in this art for many years. As a young daughter-in-law, she would easily be embarrassed by what she said, whether it was good or bad, not to mention that she had never studied calligraphy systematically.
Several old leaders looked over with curiosity and scrutiny.
Su Wanqing's heart sank slightly, but she remained expressionless. She smiled modestly, "Sister Lin, you're joking. I don't dare show off my limited skills in front of you all. This painting, 'Loyalty to the Country,' is powerful and majestic. It's obvious that it was created by a master. It embodies the unique character and spirit of a soldier. I am deeply moved. I can only learn from it, not make any rash comments."
She cleverly brought the topic back to the military spirit of the work itself, avoiding specific technical comments while remaining consistent with the military theme, appearing appropriate and sincere.
Hearing this, General Li stroked his beard and nodded: "Well, you are right. If you can feel the aura, you have entered the door."
A hint of disappointment flashed in Lin Weiwei's eyes, but her smile remained unchanged: "Sister, you are too modest." She changed the subject and said to General Li casually, "General, I remember the copy of "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion" in your collection. The brushwork is exquisite. Next time I have the chance, I really want to let Sister Wanqing open her eyes." She deliberately mentioned the extremely high-level collection, which invisibly placed Su Wanqing at a higher and unattainable position of expectation.
Su Wanqing just smiled and didn't say anything else.
At this moment, a staff member came over and asked Lin Weiwei to confirm the process. Lin Weiwei smiled apologetically and turned to leave. As she passed Su Wanqing, her footsteps paused almost imperceptibly, and her arm seemed to accidentally lightly touch a small ink painting on the easel next to her, which was still wet.
The painting shook slightly, and a small amount of undried ink dripped from the edge, splashing onto the hem of Su Wanqing's light beige skirt, leaving a small, glaring ink mark.
"Ouch!" Lin Weiwei cried out softly, and quickly took out a tissue, looking apologetic and anxious, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Sister Su, I didn't pay attention! This... this ink is hard to wash off! I'm so sorry!" She tried to help Su Wanqing wipe it in a hurry, but ended up spreading the ink even wider.
Everyone around looked over.
Su Wanqing looked at the rapidly expanding stain on her skirt, then at Lin Weiwei's tearful, self-blaming expression, and a chill settled in her heart. She was certain Lin Weiwei had done it on purpose, using this seemingly accidental, harmless, yet embarrassing trick to embarrass her.
"It's okay, Miss Lin, it's just an accident." Su Wanqing blocked her hand, speaking calmly. She took the tissue and gently pressed it on the stain to prevent it from spreading. "I'll take care of it."
She maintained a proper smile, nodded to several leaders, then turned and walked towards the bathroom.
Behind him, several ladies could be heard whispering, "Weiwei is so careless..." "Wanqing has a really good temper, she wasn't even angry." "That skirt doesn't look cheap, what a shame..."
Su Wanqing carefully cleaned the stain in the bathroom with cold water. The ink was indeed difficult to remove, leaving a noticeable mark. She looked at her calm face in the mirror, but a wave of disgust welled up in her heart. These omnipresent, lingering little movements were as disgusting as flies, yet it was difficult to find a way to fully fight back.
When she calmed down and returned to the venue, the event had already entered the free discussion phase. She saw Lin Weiwei standing next to one of Huo Tingxiao's former superiors, Political Commissar Sun's wife, and chatting affectionately, making Mrs. Sun laugh continuously.
Seeing Su Wanqing coming over, Lin Weiwei smiled and greeted her again, asking with concern: "Sister Su, how is your skirt? How about I accompany you to the service center to see if there is a replacement?"
"No, thank you Miss Lin." Su Wanqing refused lightly.
However, Lin Weiwei took Madam Sun's arm, and spoke in a coquettish and familiar tone: "Aunt Sun, look how sensible Sister Su is and what a good temper she has. If it were me, I would definitely be heartbroken if my beloved skirt was ruined like this." Her words seemed to be praising Su Wanqing, but in fact she was implying that Su Wanqing came from an ordinary family and did not care about brand-name clothes like she did. At the same time, she was also emphasizing her own mistake caused by "carelessness" in front of Madam Sun.
Madam Sun patted her hands and said with a smile, "You are so clumsy, child! Fortunately, Wanqing is magnanimous."
Lin Weiwei stuck out her tongue, looking innocent. She then looked at Su Wanqing and said with a smile, "By the way, Sister Su, the Ministry of Culture is having an internal film screening next weekend. They're showing a rare military historical documentary. I heard it includes some precious footage from Operation Thunderbolt. Uncle Sun and Brother Tingxiao will definitely be there. Do you want to come too? It's a rare opportunity."
"Operation Thunder"!
Hearing these four words, Su Wanqing's heart suddenly shrank, and her breathing stagnated. She subconsciously looked at Lin Weiwei.
Lin Weiwei wore a harmless, inviting smile, but her eyes were like poisoned needles, piercing her most sensitive, most taboo corners. How dare she?! She knew full well that this was the deepest scar and taboo in Huo Tingxiao's heart! She invited her to watch the relevant videos? What was her motive?!
Su Wanqing's face turned pale instantly. She suppressed the shock and anger in her heart and said in a calm voice, "Thank you for your kindness, Miss Lin. I don't know much about history, so I'm afraid I won't understand it. I'd better not go."
Lin Weiwei seemed oblivious to her refusal and continued enthusiastically, "It's okay if you don't understand. Brother Tingxiao is here, he can explain it to you! I heard that the film also contains..." She paused deliberately, lowering her voice as if sharing a secret, "...and some footage of Brother Chen Feng from back then. Very precious..."
"Lin Weiwei!" Su Wanqing interrupted her abruptly, her voice uncontrollably stern. Realizing her loss of composure, she took a deep breath, suppressed her surging emotions, and said coldly, "I said, I'm not going."
Her reaction seemed to be exactly what Lin Weiwei had expected. A trace of grievance and confusion appeared on Lin Weiwei's face, and she blinked, "Sister Su, what's wrong with you? I just meant well..."
Mrs. Sun next to her also looked over in confusion.
Su Wanqing knew she had fallen into a trap. Lin Weiwei was deliberately bringing up the taboo in front of others to anger her, make her lose her composure, and make her look like she was making a big deal out of nothing, unreasonable, or even having something to hide.
She clenched her fingers, digging her nails into her palms, and forced herself to calm down. She looked at Lin Weiwei and said word by word, "I appreciate Miss Lin's kindness. It's just that the commander is busy with work, and I don't want to bother him with these trivial matters. As for historical materials, I'm more accustomed to learning from books. Sorry, I have to excuse myself."
After saying this, she stopped looking at Lin Weiwei's suddenly ugly expression, nodded slightly to Madam Sun, and turned to walk to the other side. Her back was straight, but only she knew that her palms were already covered in cold sweat.
Lin Weiwei stood there, watching Su Wanqing's back as she left. The grievance on her face was gradually replaced by a hint of cold pride and jealousy.
The jealous look never disappeared.
It is indeed difficult to guard against hidden arrows.
And each arrow was more poisonous and crueler than the last, piercing straight into the heart.
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