Lu Chengjing had never been adept at expressing emotions, nor did he easily reveal his thoughts. Yet this irrepressible sense of relaxation was noticed by the soldiers through his subtle gestures.
Only when the whistle signaling the end of training sounded did Lu Chengjing withdraw his gaze. His tone remained as calm as ever, but it lacked its usual sternness: “Dismissed. Rest well, and assemble at six tomorrow.”
The soldiers responded in unison, gathering their equipment while quietly discussing the battalion commander’s unusual behavior today.
Lu Chengjing said nothing more and turned toward the Yingbuban. But just as he reached the entrance, he heard Old Zhang from the mess squad calling from afar: “Battalion Commander Lu! The canteen stewed beef today—fresh meat just delivered by the logistics department. You should go try it!”
Although people in Xinan enjoyed eating beef and mutton, supplies were scarce these years. Cattle, being valuable for plowing, were rare, and few were slaughtered—only old or injured ones.
The rations at the company canteen were strictly allocated. Most days, meals consisted of common vegetables, pickled dishes, steamed buns, or coarse rice. A pot of stewed beef was a rare treat.
Lu Chengjing paused mid-step, Lin Shuyao’s image involuntarily surfacing in his mind.
After all, she was a pampered young lady from Jingdu, accustomed to a life of comfort. Since coming to Xinan, she hadn’t had a decent meal, and her health was frail…
The thought flashed through his mind, and without further delay, Lu Chengjing turned and headed toward the Junqu Dayuan. He didn’t even consider returning to the Yingbuban to wipe off his sweat or change clothes.
Old Zhang watched his hurried departure, puzzled. Where was Battalion Commander Lu rushing off to?
Inside the Junqu Dayuan, Lin Shuyao was crouched beside a stone table, carefully organizing the grain seed samples she had brought.
She separated the seeds of different varieties, meticulously labeled them, and covered them with clean gauze to protect them from dust.
Sunlight fell on her profile, her expression focused. She even forgot to brush away the stray strands of hair hanging over her forehead, appearing exceptionally gentle and earnest.
Bai Qiaolan sat on a small stool by her doorway, needle and thread in hand as she mended clothes. Yet her eyes kept drifting toward Lin Shuyao, growing more dissatisfied the longer she looked.
She had already heard that Lu Chengjing not only withdrew the divorce application but also personally submitted Lin Shuyao’s work documents! Fuming inwardly, she didn’t dare openly provoke her like she had the day before, so she could only stew in silent resentment.
“Some jobs aren’t something you can get just by being earnest, and even if you do, it might not last. Don’t end up dragging others down…” Bai Qiaolan muttered softly, heaving a loud sigh afterward.
Lin Shuyao heard her but paid no mind, continuing to focus on organizing the grain seeds.
She had no time to bicker with Bai Qiaolan now. She needed to prepare diligently for the interview and secure a good position.
Besides, the truth would prevail. As long as she had the ability, all the mockery and doubts would naturally dissipate.
Just then, familiar footsteps sounded at the courtyard entrance. Lin Shuyao looked up to see Lu Chengjing returning.
He was still wearing his dusty military uniform, a light sheen of sweat on his forehead. Instead of heading inside to freshen up, he walked straight toward her.
“Comrade Lu, you’re back,” Lin Shuyao quickly stood up, brushing off her hands. “How did things go at the Shiyanzhan?”
Seeing the anticipation in her eyes, Lu Chengjing’s tone softened slightly compared to usual: “The documents have been submitted. They were quite satisfied. They’ll notify you in advance for the interview.”
“That’s wonderful!”
Given the opportunity, success is eighty percent assured.
“The company canteen stewed meat today. Get ready, I’ll take you there to eat.”
Lin Shuyao was slightly taken aback, her face full of surprise: “Take me to the company canteen to eat? That’s not really appropriate, I’m not part of the military…”
In her view, the meals at the company canteen were prepared for the soldiers. Even military family members rarely went there; if she went, it would inevitably invite gossip.
Moreover, her relationship with Lu Chengjing was still quite delicate. Getting too close might not be a good thing.
“It’s fine. You’re my wife. Going to the canteen to eat is perfectly reasonable.”
Beside them, Bai Qiaolan, hearing these words, dropped the needlework in her hands with a “clatter,” her face instantly darkening.
She never expected that Lu Chengjing would actually take Lin Shuyao to the company canteen to eat meat! She knew better than anyone how scarce meat was in Xinan. Chengjing had never taken her there, yet he was actively taking Lin Shuyao?
“Chengjing.” Bai Qiaolan quickly stood up, her tone carrying a hint of grievance and displeasure. “The meat at the company canteen is for the soldiers to nourish themselves. Comrade Lin is an outsider; it’s not suitable for her to go, is it? Besides, there’s food at home. This place isn’t like Jingdu; one can’t be so pampered here…”
Lu Chengjing turned to look at Bai Qiaolan, his eyes regaining their usual coolness: “Would sister-in-law like to come along?”
“I’m not going. That’s the soldiers’ rations. As military family members, anyone with a bit of conscience wouldn’t go snatch it.”
“Then sister-in-law can make do with something at home.”
That simple sentence left Bai Qiaolan speechless again.
Watching Lu Chengjing’s different attitude toward Lin Shuyao, her heart ached as if pricked by needles, yet she couldn’t find a single word to retort…
She picked up her needlework resentfully, the hostility in her eyes growing even thicker.
Seeing Bai Qiaolan hoist herself with her own petard, Lin Shuyao felt both amused and exasperated.
“Shiyanzhan thinks very highly of you. Consider this an early celebration for you. Hurry and get ready, or the meat will be gone if we’re late.”
Seeing his unyielding gaze, Lin Shuyao had no choice but to nod: “Alright! I’ll be right there.”
Lin Shuyao turned to wash her hands, straightened her clothes, and followed Lu Chengjing out.
Passing by Bai Qiaolan, she caught the unfriendly look in her eyes.
Lin Shuyao ignored it, just jogged to catch up with Lu Chengjing, her mood quite cheerful.
Lu Chengjing walked ahead, his posture upright and his pace deliberately slowed to wait for the person behind him.
Even though he intentionally slowed down, his legs were too long, and he still walked somewhat quickly. Lin Shuyao had to speed up.
The sunlight stretched their shadows long, slightly overlapping, as if breaking through some of the unfamiliarity between them.
Along the way, they encountered several groups of passing soldiers and military family members. Each one, upon seeing Lin Shuyao… stared wide-eyed.
Truly a girl from Jingdu! With such fair skin and beautiful features, a slender waist and long legs, dressed so fashionably.
“Battalion Commander Lu’s wife is so beautiful! She looks like someone from a poster.”
“She’s a pampered young lady from Jingdu, of course she’s beautiful. Look how much Battalion Commander Lu dotes on her.”
“Hey, you all don’t know yet, this girl isn’t a good person. I’ve heard she has issues with her personal conduct…”
Where there was praise, there was naturally also slander.
In these times, with few entertainment options, gossip became the main source of amusement after meals, spreading quickly.
For instance, Lin Shuyao’s notorious past.
Lu Chengjing noticed the gaze and subtly turned to shield Lin Shuyao, blocking those prying eyes.
Lin Shuyao felt a warmth in her heart. She looked up at his profile, and the corners of her mouth unconsciously lifted slightly.