Chapter 81

There was only a hint of orange on the horizon. Without the scorching heat of the day, it was half dark and I could still see things clearly.

The beach by the sea is bustling with people and very lively.

Xu Wen held Dongsheng's hand and walked barefoot on the beach which was still warm after being exposed to the sun all day.

In addition to them, there were many sisters-in-law and children who had just arrived on the island and were full of curiosity about the place.

As for the sisters-in-law on the island in the morning, they were already immune to this place and spontaneously ran to a higher position to help thread the skewers and grill the meat.

"Mom, can I go play with those kids?" Dongsheng pointed at the children who were playing role-playing games not far away.

"Of course." Xu Wen let go of his hand, "Be sure to pay attention to safety. Also, try not to let them go into the sea. What if they drown?"

Dongsheng agreed and ran over quickly.

Xu Wen went up to find Lu Yuanzheng.

In order to avoid inadequate care due to too many people, the companies were divided into circles and each company took care of itself.

The battalion headquarters was a separate circle. Apart from Lu Yuanzheng, Shi Lei and their respective clerks and signalmen, the health company, driver squad and other logistical support were all under the battalion headquarters.

Because they are few in number.

Spread charcoal around a few bricks, put a grill on the top rack, and start grilling with five or six people in a group.

The camp headquarters paid for the purchase of two live pigs and a sheep, which were slaughtered and cut right after they were harvested, so the meat was very fresh.

The kitchen teams of each company divided the work and cooperated with each other. Some slaughtered pigs and sheep, some went out to sea to fish, and some went to the vegetable fields to pick vegetables for grilling, such as mushrooms, eggplants, leeks, etc.

Xu Wen also made some gluten and brought it over, and Dongsheng liked to eat it.

The gluten is washed out by itself.

When Xu Wen found Lu Yuanzheng, he was already sitting by the charcoal fire, watching over the rack and starting to work.

She sat down next to him and asked him, "Why are you so free?"

Lu Yuanzheng raised his eyebrows in confusion.

Xu Wen raised his chin and asked, "You don't need to care about so many people?"

Lu Yuanzheng laughed: "What kind of unit do you think we are? They don't need me to teach them step by step. Every one of them knows what they should and shouldn't do. Besides, this is their break time. As long as they don't get drunk, fight or make trouble, why should I care what they do? I'm not a kindergarten teacher."

Xu Wen is now a real kindergarten teacher, teaching children every day. Hearing this, he pinched his thigh and said, "What's wrong with being a kindergarten teacher? I'm still teaching your soldiers!"

Lu Yuanzheng's legs were full of muscles, and they were so hard that she couldn't pinch them.

Lu Yuanzheng cooperated very well and let out a cry of approval.

Xu Wen glared at him.

The oil from the fat dripped onto the charcoal through the gaps in the grill, making a sizzling sound, and then the scarlet charcoal reignited.

Lu Yuanzheng lifted the barbecue and extinguished the flames with the prepared water. He handed the barbecued skewers to Xu Wen, "Don't be angry, eat a skewer to calm your temper and taste it, okay?"

Xu Wen took the skewer and took a fierce bite, then hissed from the burn.

Lu Yuanzheng had no choice but to say helplessly: "Eat slowly."

After a while, almost everyone was there, and Dongsheng came over and sat between Lu Yuanzheng and Xu Wen.

Next to the family of three was Shi Lei, and next to Shi Lei were the commander of the health company and his wife.

He looked left and right and sighed: "Suddenly I feel that this meat doesn't taste good anymore?"

When will his wife come?

Lu Yuanzheng had been his partner for so long, and he just broke the news: "If you don't want to eat it, put it down."

Dongsheng said, "Uncle Shi, I can eat it for you."

Shi Lei tapped Dongsheng on the top of his head in annoyance: "I need you as a substitute?!"

Lu Yuanzheng remembered something and asked him, "What date do you plan to go out?"

You can have a rest during the National Day holiday.

According to regulations, each class can have two or three people go out every day during the break.

The officers can also take turns to rest.

There is a special boat responsible for picking up officers and soldiers and their wives who are out to play on the central island.

Leave at 8:30 and return at 3:00.

As soon as Shi Lei heard this, he knew that Lu Yuanzheng was going to leave, and he said in a particularly arrogant tone, "Beg me!"

Lu Yuanzheng’s answer was to kick him.

Still asking him? I am used to him.

After a while of joking, Shi Lei cleared his throat and got down to business: "It won't work tomorrow anyway. The cultural performance is coming! The first stop is our island. The stage is not ready yet! You watch them set up the stage, I have to help entertain and settle the actors on the island. I heard that not only the military art troupe, but also students from an art school are coming."

Lu Yuanzheng thought for a moment and said, "Okay! Let's talk about it after this is over."

As they ate and talked, the new sisters-in-law gradually became less reserved.

Some companies had already reached the talent show stage. Xu Wen heard applause and cheers. He looked up and saw a sister-in-law dancing in the middle of their company's circle. The other companies were also very lively, with some singing and playing games.

Only the people at their battalion headquarters came here to eat.

Shi Lei pointed at the driver team and said, "I'm pointing at you guys to make some fun! Don't just focus on eating!"

Several people in the driver's team were a little confused.

I don't know how he became the pillar.

Their job is to drive vehicles of all sizes, such as cranes, shovels, bulldozers, and long flatbed trucks that are used to pull tanks.

Everyone drives at least two types of cars.

There was only one driver squad in the entire battalion, and they usually fired in company units. These guys just went there to get a free meal.

Go to whichever company cooks the food you like.

Normally, they have nothing to do with the activities in the company. When they are chatting with each other, they feel a little aggrieved, as if no one wants them.

I didn't expect that today I would finally have my own seat at the table without having to eat at the company's table.

I didn't expect to be called out just after I swallowed the meat.

What Shi Lei meant by the pillar was nothing more than letting them perform.

Several people looked at each other and made bitter faces. They didn't know how to do it.

"Coach, we really don't know how to do that."

“Promising!”

Lu Yuanzheng looked at Xu Wen and Dongsheng, stood up and patted the dirt off his butt, "There are so many family members here today, we can't be nervous. I'll set an example first."

He began to sing a military song.

They all know military songs.

Several people slowly started to sing along.

The atmosphere gradually became more lively.

After the long march, the drivers' squad and the sanitation company all started singing along.

Shi Lei patted Lu Yuanzheng on the shoulder and signaled to the other companies: "Let's go! It's a happy thing that so many families have come to the island. We should go over and say hello."

The two of them are the highest-ranking officers on Rainbow Island. The soldiers respect them because of the superior-subordinate relationship. The sisters-in-law are not superiors or subordinates to them, but are the ones who silently support their work behind the scenes, so they should greet them.

Lu Yuanzheng nodded, stood up, and patted Xu Wen on the shoulder, "Wait for me for a moment."

Xu Wen nodded.

Lu Yuanzheng and Shi Lei started from the first company. They stopped at each company for a while to talk for a few words, and it took more than half an hour to come back.

Xu Wen took over Lu Yuanzheng's job and first fed Dongsheng with barbecue.

Dongsheng ate and drank his fill, wiped his mouth and ran off to play.

Xu Wen had almost finished eating, so he grilled some meat and vegetables and put them aside, thinking that it would be convenient for Shi Lei and Lu Yuanzheng to eat when they came back.

When Lu Yuanzheng came back, he brought back some grilled prawns from other companies and handed them to Xu Wen: "This is good, try it."

Xu Wen ate one skewer. It was delicious, but she was full.

While the other companies were still busy, their battalion headquarters had already quieted down.

Firstly, Lu Yuanzheng and Shi Lei are the highest-ranking officials on the island, and the others are subordinates. Except for the sisters-in-law, everyone feels a little restrained when eating with them.

Secondly, they are few in number, and those who can sing and dance have already performed.

Dongsheng went up and sang three songs.

Xu Wen looked at the bustle in the distance, thought for a moment, and stood up: "Let me sing a song, too!"

An old song from the seventies that she had learned from the magic mirror.

In fact, Xu Wen is a good singer and he used to be a microphone master.

I haven't sung much since I came here. Even when the school organized a cultural evening, I never dared to speak, for fear of singing something inappropriate.

Now that I have the magic mirror, I can roughly know what songs are available now, and I have learned two.

Xu Wen’s singing voice is different from others. It is particularly clear, not coquettish or childish, but very quiet, which makes people feel particularly comfortable when listening to it.

Ever since Xu Wen opened her mouth, Lu Yuanzheng's eyes had never left her, and the look he gave her became increasingly gentle and affectionate.

After Xu Wen finished singing, everyone applauded enthusiastically.

The praises continued.

After sitting down for only a short while, Lu Yuanzheng found an excuse and took her away.

"Where are you going?"

"go home."

"What are you going home for?"

"you guess."

Xu asked: "..."

She didn't want to guess.

I don't want to go back either.

Is there much that a couple can do at home late at night?

That's basically the only option.

Lu Yuanzheng tried to persuade them again: "They can't let go as long as we are here. If Shi Lei and I leave, they can go to other companies to have fun." He gestured to the people in the driver's squad and the guard company.

Xu Wen thought about it and agreed, so he reluctantly followed Lu Yuanzheng away.

Of course Shi Lei could think of what Lu Yuanzheng could think of, and he also found an excuse to leave.

Xu Wen and Lu Yuanzheng held hands and walked along the beach towards the wooden house. Halfway there, they saw a lonely figure.

Wang Ying.

Wang Ying sat under the tree and cried.

If there was a second way home, Xu Wen would have taken the detour back.

Unfortunately no, this is the only way.

Out of humanitarianism, Lu Yuanzheng and Xu Wen could not ignore it.

Xu Wen and Lu Yuanzheng looked at each other and they untied their clasped hands.

Xu Wen walked up to Wang Ying, bent down and patted her, and said, "Wang...sister-in-law, what's wrong with you?"

According to the agreement, Wang Ying could not get divorced unless she was admitted to university.

Zhao Gang also moved back to the wooden house and applied for a two-bedroom, one-living room apartment.

The relationship between the two people has eased a little, and they don't quarrel much anymore.

But it looks like they are roommates.

Anyway, just don't disturb others. Everyone has become accustomed to ignoring Wang Ying, and since Wang Ying failed the exam, his presence has become increasingly low.

She is not a sociable person to begin with, so it is normal for her to be the only one having fun when everyone is having fun like today. I don't know why she started crying.

Wang Ying was surprised to see someone coming. She raised her head when she recognized Xu Wen's voice, looked at him with tears in her eyes, hiccuped, and sobbed, "Zhao Gang wants to divorce me."

Xu Wen looked back at the long journey ahead.

Lu Yuanzheng shook his head slightly, meaning that the divorce report had not been delivered to him and he didn't know about it yet.

Xu Wen's eyes showed that he understood. He turned around and squatted in front of Wang Ying and asked her, "Shouldn't you be happy? Why are you crying?"

Wang Ying had been clamoring for a divorce, and now her wish has come true.

"Wuwu...I don't want to leave."

Xu Wen raised his eyebrows, finally showing some interest, and asked her, "Why?"

Wang Ying was crying so hard that she couldn't stop crying and sobbed, "I don't know what to do if I get divorced."

Xu Wen understood.

Being divorced doesn't mean she can go back to the city, her file is still on the farm.

Most likely I'll have to go back.

She didn't like the hard work on the farm, and after spending two years of leisurely days with Zhao Gang, she didn't want to go back.

This is not worthy of sympathy. Xu Wen stood up again and said, "Then you should have a good talk with Squad Leader Zhao. Sitting here crying will not solve the problem." Then he wanted to leave.

Wang Ying grabbed Xu Wen and said, "Xu Wen, can you help me?"

Xu Wen hesitated but didn't let go of her hand.

Lu Yuanzheng saw him, frowned and walked over.

Xu Wen shook his head at him, signaling him not to interfere.

Lu Yuanzheng pursed his lips and did not move, but was only one step away from them.

At this distance, he was sure he could protect Xu Wen.

Wang Ying had no intention of harming Xu Wen. Seeing that Xu Wen did not answer, his tone became more anxious, "Please, help me!"

Xu Wen stopped arguing and just lowered his head and asked her: "Then how can I help you? I can help you tell Squad Leader Zhao, 'Oh! Don't divorce Wang Ying! She still needs you now. When she doesn't need you anymore, she will kick you out!' Or tell him, 'Don't divorce Wang Ying. She doesn't want to go back to the farm. She still wants you to support her. After all, not only does being with the army mean you don't have to work, but you also get 10 yuan a month!'"

Wang Ying shrank back when Xu Wen asked her, and stammered, "That's not what I meant. I know what I did before was wrong."

Xu Wen was really shocked this time, wondering if there was something wrong with his ears, was Wang Ying admitting his mistake? ?

In Mrs. Li's words, it would rain red rain that day.

Wang Ying saw that Xu Wen was not going to leave, so she let go of her and lowered her head. "Zhao Gang divorced me not only because he didn't want me to take advantage of the army, but also because he wanted me to go back and study hard to take the college entrance exam again next year. He said that the conditions here are not good and not suitable for studying, so he asked me to go back and said that he would support me for another year and let me take the exam again next year."

Xu Wen was even more surprised, "If that's the case, then why are you crying?"

Squad leader Zhao Gang's qualifications are very suitable for Wang Ying.

"If he had said that before I took the college entrance examination, I would have divorced him without hesitation. But..." Wang Ying was silent for a while before continuing, "I don't know how to describe my thoughts. In fact, I knew I didn't do well in the exam, but I didn't give up. I looked forward to the admission letter every day. I felt that only when the admission letter came, my life could change.

I couldn't wait any longer, so I asked Zhao Gang to help me check my grades."

Xu Wen remembered this incident. That day, Wang Ying didn't get the letter, so she went to find Zhao Gang. Then Zhao Gang's company commander came to Lu Yuanzheng for help, and it was Lu Yuanzheng who went to ask her.

Wang Ying sniffed and smiled bitterly: "The moment I knew my score, I felt like I didn't want to live anymore. I even put the rope on the beam, but the child was crying for some reason, holding my legs and wouldn't let go, and kept shouting "Mommy". My heart softened immediately, and I held him and cried for a long time. In fact, if he hadn't cried, I felt that I would not hang myself in the end. After all, how could a coward like me have the courage to commit suicide?

But, I dare not go out unless I die. I am afraid you will laugh at me."

She is not stupid, she has always had bad relationships with others.

Everyone treated her coldly before, but she still held on to her hope, thinking that everything would be fine once she got into university.

But I never thought about what to do if I fail the exam?

When he really failed the exam, Wang Ying's fear for everyone was far greater than the pain of failing himself.

She was afraid that everyone would laugh at her.

I’m afraid I’ll have to live like this for the rest of my life.