Time makes no sound, but it's like a cloud pushed by the wind; one second it's still on the horizon, and the next it's drifting away into the distance, leaving only a faint trace.
Qin Jinye, who retired from his government job, spends his days enjoying time with his grandchildren.
His lofty ambitions, aspirations, and desire for power gradually faded in the quiet days, and his catchphrase became "one has to accept getting old."
When Qin Yushen and Lin Xiaoxiao first returned to Beijing, Old Master Qin, who was predicted to be in poor health and not live much longer, was still living a leisurely life in his house.
In Qin Jinye's words, the policy has changed, so there's no need to live in constant fear. The old man's mindset has improved, and living another five or six years is not a problem.
Qin Yushen remained indifferent to them, and his usual superficial politeness was sufficient.
He devoted all his energy to his little family with Lin Xiaoxiao.
It was only after so long that Lin Xiaoxiao learned that the deputy director of the National Security Bureau was Wen Mo. Back then, he went to Hong Kong and worked in the police station as a Chinese person. He unexpectedly got in touch with his friend, Director Fan, who was on a mission in Hong Kong.
Given the unique background of the port city, he joined the National Security Bureau on the advice of Director Fan and has made many contributions to the organization over the past twenty years.
After returning to Beijing, Wen Mo withdrew from the State Security Bureau and focused on her family.
He wanted to make up for the years he had neglected his children.
After opening up, the country faced serious corruption problems. The higher authorities needed a "party judicial officer," but were also worried that this judicial officer would abuse his power, since having power would breed desires.
After reviewing all the suitable candidates, the leadership team still chose Wen Mo.
He was decisive and efficient, unafraid of offending people, which made him a perfect fit. Thus, five years after his retirement, Wen Mo was transferred to the position of deputy secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
The first thing he did upon taking office was to lead the investigation and punishment of the Party Secretary of Yangcheng City, who was also the first representative figure to be punished for corruption after the opening up.
This move offended many people, and ministers who used to have a good relationship with him now wished they could stay as far away from him as possible.
After all, he held a sharp knife in his hand that could cut off their heads.
The Lu family is gradually declining. After the old master passed away, Lu Hua was no longer able to support the family. He and Li Yuan only hoped that Lu Yunzhang would make something of himself. Several years have passed, and Lu Yunzhang is still in the position of regimental commander, without moving an inch.
Qin Yushen had already become a proper teacher.
Upon learning that Wen Mo had been promoted, Lu Hua called Lu Yunzhang back and asked him to try to appeal to Wen Mo's emotions.
Before he passed away, the old man instructed Wen Mo to help Lu Yunzhang.
It's only natural for an uncle to help his nephew.
Lu Yunzhang didn't listen to him, but still went to have a meal with Wen Mo. No one knows what they talked about, only that Lu Yunzhang later applied to be stationed in the harsh conditions of the frontier.
His application was approved, and after Lu Yunzhang went to the frontier, he constantly tempered himself in the harsh and difficult environment.
Just like Wen Mo told him, since they couldn't get out of the alley, they should burn their bridges and start over.
On the vast grassland, wildflowers carpeted the landscape in vibrant colors, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. The distant snow-capped mountains, no longer bearing the harshness of winter, had their peaks glistening with snow that looked as if sprinkled with icing sugar.
Lu Yunzhang lay on the grass, his head resting on his arm, breathing softly, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquility of the world.
The air I breathed in carried a thin, crisp quality, yet it made my chest feel open and refreshed.
Here you'll find snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, blue skies, and white clouds, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. The rustling sound of the wind blowing through the grass brings him unparalleled tranquility.
"Commander Lu, look!"
A clear, crisp female voice rang in my ears.
Lu Yunzhang opened his eyes, and a bunch of wildflowers appeared before him: red cosmos and purple gentians. The collision of vibrancy and elegance was strangely fitting.
As he was lost in thought, the person next to him sat down, lay down like him, and said, "I like it here, what about you?"
Lu Yunzhang glanced at her sideways.
Cao Qingyue, a dancer from the Beijing Municipal Art Troupe, came to the border military region a week ago to offer her condolences. She is an outstanding woman with a lively personality, completely different from her stage persona.
Do you like it here?
“I like it here too, but…” Lu Yunzhang pursed his lips, his voice devoid of emotion, “Beijing is a good place, there is much to be done there.”
Cao Qingyue stared at the bouquet in her hand for a few moments, her smile slowly fading. Just when Lu Yunzhang thought she wouldn't persist, she suddenly threw herself into his arms.
She hugged his neck tightly and said in a muffled voice, "Beijing is great, but I want to stay."
Lu Yunzhang didn't push her away. Looking at the blue sky and white clouds, he was moved.
“With your abilities, you can definitely become the principal dancer of the performing arts troupe within five years. You won’t have to stay here and suffer.” He picked up the bouquet of flowers that had fallen from her hand and said earnestly.
Cao Qingyue angrily slapped him, "What does it mean to endure hardship? A great man once said that there is much to be done in the vast world. This is the frontier of our motherland. I can still shine and contribute if I stay here."
It's not like you can only realize your value in Beijing.
Cao Qingyue had liked Lu Yunzhang for a long time, but at that time Lu Yunzhang was the most promising successor of the Lu family, and he was far ahead of everyone else in the army, making him someone to look up to.
She came from an ordinary family, and getting into the performing arts troupe was already a stroke of luck. She felt a little inferior, knowing that she was not good enough for him.
Later, after he married Lin Wanwan, she kept her little secret to herself.
She never expected the Lu family to suffer such a drastic change. Old Master Lu passed away, and the Lu family's reputation plummeted. She saw his predicament in the Beijing Military Region and felt sorry for him, but she didn't know what to do.
Upon learning that he had applied to come to the frontier, she made up her mind.
She wanted to be brave for once.
So, she came.
"Lu Yunzhang, I like you, so, would you like to give it a try with me?" Cao Qingyue mustered her courage under his unreadable gaze.
They've only known each other for a week at most.
She knew that Lu Yunzhang couldn't possibly fall for her in just one week, but feelings could be cultivated, and she hoped that Lu Yunzhang would give her a positive response.
As time ticked by, the expectation in Cao Qingyue's eyes slowly faded, and her clenched fingers gradually loosened.
I felt somewhat frustrated.
"You don't..." If you don't want to, then forget it.
Before she could finish speaking, Lu Yunzhang grabbed her hand. "Then let's give it a try."
Cao Qingyue was stunned.
She stared at him blankly.
Lu Yunzhang's lips curled up in amusement. "Why aren't you saying anything?"
"No..." Cao Qingyue shook her head, still incredulous. "Did I hear that right? You agreed?"
Lu Yunzhang sat up, bent one leg, and gently pulled her along.
The two sat side by side, gazing at the majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance. Lu Yunzhang squeezed her hand tightly. "Yes, I promise. And... thank you."
Thank you for choosing me with all your heart when I was lost and didn't know what the future held.
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