"Weiwei, we've all tried on the clothes the group leader brought. After looking around, you look the most elegant in them. The style of the clothes is so unique, it's like they were tailor-made for you."
The female soldier speaking in the crowd had her hair tied in a low ponytail, and her tone was full of flattery. The female soldier named Weiwei would occasionally reach into her pocket and fumble for a pair of gloves, which she had spent a week knitting to give to her sweetheart.
She seemed to have thought of something; her shy expression was just like that of a young girl in the throes of first love.
Her full name is Deng Wei, and she's the most beautiful girl in the performing arts troupe. She has almond-shaped eyes that exude an air of pride. Her hair is tied in two braids, and every movement she makes is elegant.
Having practiced dance since childhood, she naturally possessed a certain elegance, coupled with a beautiful face, which led to her being voted the group's most beautiful girl.
"Comrade Deng Wei, the regimental commander is looking for you."
A male soldier found her in the crowd and relayed his superior's message.
"What's wrong?"
Deng Wei looked at him with extreme reluctance, her tone filled with obvious unwillingness. She had just heard everyone say that Bai Chen had been sent by the commander to pick up Shen Ying and had already left quite a while ago. Judging by the time, he should be arriving soon.
"I heard that there are a few moves in the choreographed dance that are not quite right, so they asked you to come over and discuss making some changes."
The soldier left after giving his instructions; he had many things to do and was very busy.
Just as Deng Wei was about to leave, she heard someone shout from the crowd:
"The commander's jeep has arrived. Everyone, hurry up and get ready to get in the car."
The female soldiers waved their arms and waved at the vehicle, creating quite a lively scene.
"Weiwei, how about I go talk to the regimental commander and we can change the movements on the bus? We finally ran into Battalion Commander Shen, so at least we should give him your gloves."
The female soldier with the low ponytail is Deng Wei's good friend, Yuan Shuhui. Knowing that Deng Wei has always admired Shen Ying, she openly and secretly helps her create opportunities.
Although many in the army knew that Battalion Commander Shen Ying was married and had children, his handsome features, renowned military achievements, and rapid promotions made him irresistible. Even so, some were willing to be with him, eager to become stepmothers to his children.
Deng Wei was one of them. She had bribed someone close to Shen Ying to find out that his wife was not only lazy but also unhygienic, and she was secretly pleased with herself. There was no affection between the couple, and Shen Ying had always intended to divorce her. She felt this was a great opportunity.
"It's okay, there will always be opportunities. Dancing is more important, I'll go now."
Yuan Shuhui, who was comforting her, felt confident that the trip would be a success and did not insist that she stay.
In the car, Shen Ying's hand never let go of Jiang Yu's from the moment he grasped it. He knew that this woman had never seen such a large group before, so it was normal for her to be a little nervous.
"Don't worry, the comrades in the army are all easy to get along with, and there's nothing messy about it. They can handle Zhang Xinhua with ease, it's fine."
The man spoke to her with a gentleness and encouragement he had never shown before, and in a daze, Jiang Yu felt that she was falling in love with him.
"No, sister-in-law, are you really nervous?"
Bai Chen, who was driving in front, felt goosebumps when he first heard Shen Ying speak like that, and quickly interrupted.
"You have no idea, Brother Ying is a big shot in the army. Even the higher-ups have to give him face. Anyone who dares to slight you is just asking for trouble."
What he said was true; you can tell just by looking at how often Chief Zhang takes men to dinner parties.
"It's not as exaggerated as you guys say."
Jiang Yu forced a smile, her expression more painful than crying.
Bai Chen parked his car in an open space near the entrance. From a distance, he saw Chief Zhang get out of another car, with Li Xue, dressed elegantly, walking towards him arm in arm.
The group got out of the car under the watchful eyes of the crowd. A woman emerged from inside, and her relationship with the two seemed unusual. Those unaware of the situation speculated that she might be a relative of one of them. After all, very few people could ride in a high-ranking official's car.
After walking a few steps, the two groups met. Jiang Yu greeted Chief Zhang along with Shen Ying and started talking about the clothing store, which almost made Bai Chen's jaw drop.
Shen Ying's woman is indeed extraordinary.
Li Xue was exceptionally enthusiastic when she saw Jiang Yu, and started chatting with her, mostly about clothes and jewelry.
Many people couldn't hear their conversation and could only deduce their meaning from their expressions. Seeing Li Xue's smiling demeanor, they assumed this woman was either Commander Zhang or someone from his wife's family. Her presence in the provincial capital suggested she might have a hidden identity.
"Don't just stand there, get in the car. Bai Chen, you can drive this jeep with them. It's more comfortable than the bus."
Chief Zhang, showing his affection for Shen Ying, arranged seating for the couple. Bai Chen wanted to object but didn't dare; how had he inexplicably become the driver?
"Sir, this is unreasonable. With my status, I can simply take the bus. We don't want to give anyone a handle to use against me, which could become a source of criticism later."
Shen Ying explicitly refused. Although she knew that her superiors appreciated her, she never took their favor for granted.
“You brat, I’m not doing this for you. Comrade Jiang Yu doesn’t seem like a female soldier who has undergone long-term training in the army. Such a long journey must be very tiring for her.”
Chief Zhang gave Shen Ying a meaningful look. This kid really doesn't know how to cherish his wife. He should learn from him in this regard.
"Thank you for your kindness, sir. I quite like taking the bus; it's more lively with lots of people."
Jiang Yu glanced at the man and smiled as she declined the leader's offer. Seeing that the two were determined, Chief Zhang didn't press the matter further and repeatedly instructed the man to take good care of Comrade Jiang Yu on the way.
He understands Shen Ying; he's a complete straight man.
During the conversation, several leaders arrived. Jiang Yu also got into the car with Shen Ying and Bai Chen.
"Sister-in-law, I asked the driver to reserve a good seat for you. When you get on the bus, you can rest well and recharge."
Although Bai Chen's rank wasn't as high as Shen Ying's, he was still a proper company commander and held a place in the military. It was only natural for him to want to keep his position.
Taking care of Jiang Yu wasn't just because of Shen Ying; the food and Liu Cui were the most important things.
"Thanks."
Jiang Yu thanked him politely. Bai Chen had reserved a seat in the first row, which she could see as soon as she got on the bus, and she sat down without any hesitation.
The passengers in the car were mostly female soldiers from the cultural troupe. Yuan Shuhui found a spot near Shen Ying and waited for Deng Wei to sit down, while also listening to what kind of background the woman who had been with them all along was.
"Sister-in-law, is this a good spot?"
Bai Chen sat down on the left side of the aisle, in a row with the two of them. Before even sitting down, he was eager to take credit, which inadvertently blocked Shen Ying from getting on the bus.
He frowned, glanced at Bai Chen, and was about to speak when Deng Wei, who had rushed to get into the car, spoke first:
"Commander Shen, what a coincidence!"
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