As a traditional Chinese person, the Spring Festival Gala is an essential part of the New Year's Eve dinner.
Ling Ruoke, who has lived for 25 years, has watched the Spring Festival Gala many times, but this was the first time she had seen it live. It is said that the audience included military and political figures and celebrities.
Ling Ruoke wasn't particularly interested in eccentric characters or celebrities; they were all too far removed from her. What excited her more was the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the live Spring Festival Gala.
After getting off the plane, Huo Qingfeng took her and the little one to a clothing store. They bought matching outfits for the two of them, which looked very nice.
She wore a black turtleneck sweater with a decorative checkered tie; a light yellow down jacket over it with a large decorative hat hanging down the back; dark gray straight-leg jeans; black ankle boots, somewhat like military boots; and a royal blue beanie with a pom-pom on top.
After they were dressed up, even the sales clerks at the clothing store couldn't help but scream and pull out their iPhones, clamoring to take pictures. They even said the clothing store should hire them to shoot an advertisement; the clothes would definitely sell like hotcakes!
Colonel Huo adjusted the angle, looked affectionately at his wife and children, and slightly showed his profile so they could take a picture.
The family of three were in high spirits as they left the clothing store. The streets were nearly deserted; normally, they would have attracted a lot of attention.
Little Fu'an was skipping and jumping ahead, fully expressing his excitement. Every now and then he would turn around and call out to them loudly.
Ling Ruoke turned to look at the colonel, who was dressed like this for the first time, and couldn't help but laugh. But he was handsome; he looked good in anything.
Colonel Huo managed to please his wife and children. Although he felt uncomfortable, he obediently endured it. What could he do? Soldiers cherish their wives most of all. Making his wife happy was something he could temporarily set aside regarding his image, as long as wearing his uniform didn't damage it! Besides, the feeling of the whole family wearing the same clothes wasn't bad at all.
When they met, Huo Zhenbang saw them and couldn't help but laugh. Nodding, he exclaimed, "Good, this is good, this is really good!"
"They look like a happy family, they could be in an advertisement! The theme should be: Family planning is good!"
As soon as the words were spoken, everyone burst into laughter. They were reminded of the family planning propaganda images, which showed happy families of three.
Among them, Xiao Fu'an's quacking duck sounds were the most prominent, and when he laughed, all you could see were his white teeth and his big eyes disappeared.
Ling Ruoke, holding the colonel's arm, felt that there was no happier thing in the world than this.
Little Fu'an wasn't happy about being left out, so he squeezed between his parents, holding one hand on each side. He walked with a proud and arrogant air, as if he were about to fly across the Yalu River.
Once inside the Spring Festival Gala audience seating area, the whole family was seated together in a corner.
Huo Zhenbang knew that his grandson and granddaughter-in-law did not like to associate with so-called important people and celebrities, so whenever someone came over to say hello, he would not make an introduction unless the person asked first.
Ling Ruoke and Huo Qingfeng were happy to have some peace and quiet.
Finally, the opening medley of famous songs and dances kicked off the Spring Festival Gala. Afterwards, the six hosts lined up in a row. Apart from two newcomers, the other four were familiar faces: Dong Qing, Zhu Jun, Zhou Tao, and Bai Yansong.
Ling Ruoke felt that watching it live and watching it on TV were not much different. If she had to say there was a difference, it was that watching it live required quiet and attention to one's image, making it more restrictive than watching it on TV at home. Also, the sound effects were indeed very different.
For her, the biggest expectation of the Spring Festival Gala was to see Zhao Benshan's skit. This uncle with a farmer's appearance has brought endless joy to 1.6 billion Chinese people. The stories of selling crutches and Baiyun and Heitu have made countless people laugh.
For many, the Spring Festival Gala would be meaningless without Zhao Benshan. In the realm of sketch comedy, Zhao Benshan is an insurmountable mountain. His perpetually serious face alone is enough to make people laugh.
Perhaps CCTV also understands Zhao Benshan's importance to the Spring Festival Gala, so his programs are scheduled later and later, usually around the time the New Year's bell rings.
"Is it pretty?" Huo Zhenbang leaned closer and asked with a smile.
Ling Ruoke nodded quickly. "It looks good."
Midway through, Huo Qingfeng's phone rang, and he went out to answer it. It was almost New Year's Eve. It was probably something important; he didn't return for quite a while.
"It's alright, don't worry. Enjoy the show, it would be a shame to miss it," Huo Zhenbang said with a smile, handing her a pair of binoculars.
Ling Ruoke smiled but didn't dare look towards the door again. She took the binoculars; on the stage was a dance performance by a military arts troupe. Although the military's dance wasn't energetic, it was full of power.
Ling Ruoke carefully examined each face through her binoculars, and when she saw a familiar face, she was completely stunned. She put down the binoculars, rubbed her eyes, and looked again. Although the position had changed during the dance, that face was clearly Qingfeng! Black top, camouflage pants, military boots…
"Is it pretty?" Huo Zhenbang smiled knowingly and leaned closer to ask again.
Seeing his smile, Ling Ruoke knew he must have known beforehand but had kept it from her. However, they were also trying to surprise her. "Thank you, Grandpa."
She had no idea that her colonel could dance! More importantly, he was willing to perform just to please her!
Tears welled in her eyes as she watched a powerful dance freeze in its final pose. That towering figure, as upright as a mountain, belonged to her. She clapped her hands vigorously, until her palms were red.
The music stopped, and all the comrades retreated backstage. Applause filled the hall and echoed for a long time.
The host takes the stage.
"Thank you to the soldiers from the military region's cultural troupe. Let's give them another round of applause. At this time of family reunion, we will not forget that our soldiers are still guarding the borders of our motherland. They are not afraid of wind, frost, rain, snow, or hardships, and they persevere in protecting our land and the happiness of our people. They are the most lovable people in the world."
"Yes. On this day of family reunion, let us send our sincerest gratitude and blessings to these lovely soldiers. At the same time, we also want to thank the military wives who silently support and wait for them. It is they who, with their soft shoulders, have relieved these tough and courageous men of their worries, and it is they who have endured the days of separation from their husbands to make our family reunion possible."
"On this special day, a lovely soldier wants to say a few words to his beloved girl. Would you all like to hear them?"
"think!"
"Speak louder, do you want to?"
"think!"
Ling Ruoke almost burst into tears. If you're not a military wife, if you haven't spent countless long nights lying in bed longing for your loved one, you won't understand how deeply these words touch your heart.
When that tall figure appeared on the stage, Ling Ruoke could no longer hold back her tears. Even though he was wearing a hat, she could still recognize him at a glance.
The person on stage had already taken the microphone and placed it to their lips. A deep, magnetic voice slowly rose and fell, resounding clearly.
“We soldiers never say nice things. And even if we do, we save them for when we get home and tell our wives, right?”
The audience burst into laughter. So did those watching on television. They appreciated simple words and the truth.
“My beloved girl and I have been together for over two years, and she has endured a lot of hardship to be with me. On this special day, on this must-watch program for Chinese people, I want to propose to her. She has waited a long time, and I want to give her the title of wife and a home. Although, this home will often be left to her alone.”
Ling Ruoke covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face. Then someone appeared and pulled her onto the stage. Her vision was blurred by tears, and she could barely see, almost stumbling and falling.
"Whoosh—" The scene erupted in a commotion, with applause thundering like thunder.
For the first time in so many years, someone proposed on the Spring Festival Gala, and it was a soldier.
A man's knees are worth their weight in gold; he will not kneel easily. Even facing the most ruthless enemy or the most desperate situation, he will not beg for survival. However, he may kneel before his delicate wife.
Huo Qingfeng slowly knelt on one knee, holding up the ring he had personally chosen. Looking deeply at his beloved woman, he softly asked, "My dear, will you marry me?"
Ling Ruoke covered her mouth with both hands, tears streaming down her face. Her eyes were filled with joy and emotion, but she couldn't utter a single word.
The host held the microphone to her lips, but she didn't dare make a sound. The host then put the microphone to his own lips and said to the audience, "How about we give this lovely girl a round of applause?"
Another round of thunderous applause followed.
"My dear, will you?" Colonel Huo asked again.
Ling Ruoke nodded vigorously, eagerly extending her hand for him to put the ring on. She then reached out the wrong hand and quickly withdrew it, extending her other hand instead.
Another round of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience. They all knew the girl was too excited, so they didn't think anything was wrong.
They exchanged rings.
Colonel Huo scooped up his beloved girl and spun her around twice on the stage! "May all lovers in the world stay together until they grow old!"
"I want to say a few words," Ling Ruoke said hurriedly as he carried her away.
The host realized what was happening and quickly handed over the microphone. "How about we let this lovely young lady say a few words to everyone?"
"good!"
Ling Ruoke held the microphone and wiped away her tears. Her voice was a little hoarse from crying.
“I’m not a girl who cries easily because my mother taught me from a young age that crying is useless. But these days, I’ve cried a lot. Because my lover always manages to move me to tears unexpectedly. I never thought he would propose to me in this way. I had already thought about it, and even if he said to me one day, ‘Let’s get our marriage certificate,’ I wouldn’t be surprised at all.”
The room erupted in laughter. Everyone thought the young man and woman were incredibly cute!
"Because their minds are focused on training and protecting the country and its people, they don't have the energy to think about these details. Before I met him, many people said that soldiers are the least romantic and least attentive. Marrying a soldier means choosing a life of separation. When difficulties arise, other women have men to support them, but you have to grit your teeth and bear it all alone. But today I want to tell those girls who like soldiers but are hesitant: be brave and choose!"
"They may not be able to be by your side every day, but even if they only have a little free time, they will be there for you. They might spend hours traveling between camp and home just to say a word to you. They might stay up for days and nights just to see you sooner... They may not be good at sweet talk, they may not be romantic at all, but in the long river of life, the one who can ultimately accompany you for a lifetime is a sincere heart. Bless you, bless everyone!"
Colonel Huo, hand in hand with his beloved girl, walked off the stage amidst the blessings of everyone present.
Life's journey is long, and many difficulties await them. But no matter how many years pass, they will surely remember their initial promise and their unwavering commitment.
The audience at the scene and those watching on television may remember, long after they watch the Spring Festival Gala again, that a lovely young couple once made a lifelong vow on this program.
The number of replies to the first Weibo post was like building a skyscraper in an instant!
After stepping off the stage, the New Year's bells will soon ring.
Ling Ruoke's hand was held by the colonel, and they silently counted down with the host, her eyes still wet with tears.
Tan Peishi called, shouting into the phone, "Ruo Ke, you're so lucky! The captain is so romantic! No way, I'm going to dump Fu Peigang and start over!"
Ling Ruoke could still hear Fu Peigang say in a mournful voice on the phone: "Wife, be careful, you're still heavily pregnant!"
"No, Fu Peigang, you have to give me a romantic proposal after the baby is born!"
"Honey, watch your belly!"
Just listening to the sounds of their playful banter is enough to conjure up the scene. This isn't just fooling around; it's an expression of happiness in itself. Isn't it happiness for a woman to find a man who lets her be silly and even worries about her falling or getting hurt?
Ling Ruoke chuckled. She felt today was truly a good day, and hoped that all good people in the world would be happy!
After leaving the Spring Festival Gala venue, the family got into the car. The car started and headed straight for Ziyun Capital.
Little Fu'an was asleep. Bathed in the soft yellow light, his chubby little face was even more rosy and incredibly cute. Finally, the guard carried him inside and took him back to his room.
Last time she came, she wasn't in the mood to appreciate it at all; this time, it was too late to see clearly. So, even on her second visit, Ling Ruoke still didn't know what the Ziyun Capital looked like.
The house was brightly lit. They had clearly left the lights on for them. However, according to local custom, the fire and lights are not extinguished on New Year's Eve.
Upon entering, they found the general and his wife sitting on the sofa.
Seeing them return, the general walked over to his father and said, "Dad, how come you didn't tell us about such a big thing?"
"It's Qingfeng who's getting married, not you two. What difference does it make whether you say anything or not?" Huo Zhenbang retorted irritably. He knew exactly what his son and daughter-in-law meant; they were just trying to stop it. What an old fogey!
Yang Ziyun glanced at Ling Ruoke, her expression darkening. "Dad, that's not how it works. Although it's not our wedding, Qingfeng is our son. Don't parents even have the right to know when their son gets married?"
"Now you know, don't you? Not only do you know, but probably all the people in the world know."
The general and Yang Ziyun exchanged a glance, angry but not daring to lash out.
"Qingfeng, come into the room with Mom."
Huo Qingfeng shook his head. "Mom, we're all very tired. Let's talk about it tomorrow."
He then put his arm around Ling Ruoke. "Let's go, wife, let's go back to our room and sleep."
Yang Ziyun was furious. "Qingfeng, we have plenty of guest rooms. This is just a proposal, not a wedding." The implication was that they didn't even know if they would actually get married, so it was better to sleep separately.
Before Huo Qingfeng could speak, Huo Zhenbang, sipping tea on the sofa, said coolly, "Even after marriage, there's always the possibility of divorce. To be on the safe side, it's better for married couples not to consummate their marriage."
This time, Yang Ziyun dared not say anything more. She just held back her anger and went back to her room to vent it to the general.
Although Ling Ruoke told herself she didn't care, her mood was inevitably affected. She didn't expect to be like her mother with her mother-in-law, but the mutual dislike was still upsetting.
Huo Qingfeng tightened his grip on her arm. "Don't pay them any attention. Even I, as their son, don't care, so you certainly don't need to. They're just too idle, looking for trouble."
What could Ling Ruo possibly say? She could only smile and nod. She knew in her heart that there would always be some people in this world who disliked you, and even if you ripped your heart out, it wouldn't change anything.
The facilities at Ziyun Mansion were far more upscale than their simple home. Even the bathtub was larger, more luxurious, and had a massage function.
As soon as Colonel Huo entered the room, he closed the door, hoisted his wife onto his shoulder, and headed straight for the bathroom. Partly, he missed his wife; partly, he didn't want her to still be upset about his parents' attitude.
In the huge bathtub, Colonel Huo used all his skills to tease her sensitive spots to the extreme, making her remember nothing but his presence.
On their first Spring Festival together, the colonel proposed to his wife. And after the proposal, he made her almost faint in the bathtub.
Lying in bed, Ling Ruoke nestled in the colonel's arms. The proposal tonight had dazed her, and she vaguely thought about the engagement. She reached out and poked him. "Hey, what happened at your engagement party with Gu Zhenzhen back then?"
Colonel Huo, with a soft, beautiful woman in his arms, was languid, not even opening his eyes. "I'm not engaged to her. The engagement party was probably orchestrated by my mother and her family."
"That's impossible! I clearly saw that person was yours! It was even on the news."
"Fool." The colonel smiled helplessly. "I'm a soldier. Can I be so high-profile about my engagement? I can't even show my face in my wedding photos. And this is news, huh? That's news made just for you."
Ling Ruoke thought of Zhuang Yicheng's newspaper and finally understood.
The colonel was reminded of something. "That's right, we're going to take wedding photos! Honey, go to sleep, and when you wake up we'll go take the wedding photos!"
Ling Ruoke was both amused and exasperated; he really was someone who acted on impulse. However, she nestled contentedly into his arms without saying a word.
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