Before long, Jiang Lai had picked up all the scattered potatoes. She lifted the basket, estimating it weighed about twenty to thirty pounds.
“Thank you so much, young comrade,” the “elderly man” said, like an NPC in a game, before issuing his next task: “I was planning to take this basket of potatoes to the military district to give the soldiers some extra food. Could you carry it for me?”
The military district was at least ten kilometers away. For a pampered young girl like Jiang Lai, carrying them all that way would take until nightfall—and she might not even make it.
Had the “old man” mistaken her for one of his soldiers?
Ma Chunmiao was about to speak.
Jiang Lai lifted her red lips in a smile. “No need to trouble yourself, sir. We can take you by car.”
“But the car is blocked by the trees. How will we drive?” the “elder” shook his head, insisting, “You should carry them yourself.”
Jiang Lai’s eyes lit up. “Sir, don’t worry. If the trees block the road, we can just move them aside.”
“Move… move them aside?”
“Yes,” Jiang Lai said matter-of-factly. “Just tie one end of a rope to the tree and the other end to the car. Start the car and pull backward—it’ll drag the tree to the side of the road.”
The “old man” was stunned. “…Wow. That actually makes sense. Why didn’t I think of that?”
“But…”
Jiang Lai held his hand, her eyes sparkling. “Sir, don’t worry. This isn’t just a basket of potatoes anymore—it’s a symbol of the trust and support that citizens like you place in us. We won’t just deliver them safely to the military district; we’ll make sure they get there as soon as possible. Tonight, the soldiers should be eating these potatoes, and the responsibility of defending the country will be carried with them.”
Her words stirred the “elder’s” blood with pride.
This basket of potatoes was no longer ordinary—it represented the precious loyalty and support of the people for the army.
Even Ma Chunmiao’s gaze at Jiang Lai changed.
That afternoon.
In the office, Ma Chunmiao was reporting the day’s events to the organization. Everyone fell silent.
Commander Chen looked at the report: black and white, clearly written.
[After evaluation: Comrade Jiang Lai not only possesses the golden-hearted nature of a child but also a sharp, adaptable mind. Most importantly, she has inherited her martyr mother’s awareness of serving the people.]
This was the unanimous conclusion of the two comrades who had participated in the test.
The Chen and Qi families had long-standing connections; the old man had watched Qi Huaiye grow up. With anyone else, he wouldn’t have bothered so much.
In his eyes, Jiang Lai was an extraordinary woman: clever, virtuous, and unbothered by Qi Huaiye’s fierce appearance or temper.
The night before, he had urgently requested Jiang Lai’s records be sent over.
Early that morning, a telegram arrived from Huai County, detailing her life: having a martyr mother was a plus, though neighborhood gossip said she was vain.
But if Jiang Lai were truly vain, would she, knowing only that her fiancé was a soldier, reject the Liu family’s marriage proposal and travel thousands of miles to the military district? Life with the troops was far harsher than in the county.
As for the rest, she had good grades growing up, graduated high school, and had no major mistakes. Her family had a solid, loyal background, combining three generations of farmers and workers.
Thus, the test was arranged.
It proved that Comrade Jiang Lai truly possessed noble character.
“Must such a wonderful young lady marry a commander she doesn’t even want?” Ma Chunmiao hesitated.
In her heart, no matter how decorated Qi Huaiye was, a great soldier alone didn’t matter. To a woman, he was dull, foul-tempered, and perpetually scowling—a far cry from even an average husband.
“Nowadays, freedom of love is valued. A wrong marriage can ruin a woman’s life.”
Commander Chen was stunned. He hadn’t expected the test to conclude that Qi Huaiye wasn’t suitable for the young lady. Would it all fail again at the military district?
“No!”
Chen’s expression hardened. “Comrade Jiang Lai came to the military district specifically to marry Huaiye. As a soldier, he must honor the commitment made between their mothers.”
The Qi family had deep roots, and Qi Huaiye himself was exceptional. He would continue to rise and eventually work back in the capital.
Marrying him would not be a hardship for Jiang Lai.
Charm alone—sweet talk to girls—was useless. Career and character mattered more.
Commissioner Yao of the Ninth Regiment also agreed that Jiang Lai was a commendable comrade. Because Commander Qi Huaiye was leading, their regiment’s single men, the most numerous, were repeatedly criticized every year.
Yao proposed, “Since Comrade Jiang Lai is of good character, have Commander Qi call his mother to verify the engagement. Submit the marriage report today if possible.”
Commander Chen wholeheartedly agreed.
Next door.
Qi Huaiye had been stuck all day with various excuses from the senior commander, not only listening to task reports but also listing training plans for the next six months.
Through Chen Jianguo’s loose lips, he learned the commander had secretly arranged a series of tests for Jiang Lai.
What annoyed him most: they were worried he might scare her away.
Thinking of her bright, beautiful face, Qi Huaiye pressed his lips tightly.
At that moment, the office door finally opened.
“You—call your mother immediately and verify the engagement!” Seeing his scowling face, the senior commander couldn’t help but scold.
“Finally, someone wants you—so be grateful. If you mess up this marriage, I’ll send you to the northwest or another military district.”
Qi Huaiye: “…”
From the commander’s tone, the test had clearly gone smoothly.
His long eyelashes trembled.
This time, he did not resist.
The office had a phone. To prevent escape, two guards were stationed nearby, the door was blocked, and he was personally supervised as he dialed.
“Hello, please transfer me to Xu SuYue at Research Base 102. This is her son, Qi Huaiye,” he added deliberately, “Tell her it’s urgent.”
The operator replied, “Understood. Please wait.”
After about two minutes, someone answered.
“Hello?”
Qi Huaiye, who had been standing relaxed, tensed as he recognized the voice—yet it was not Xu SuYue but a very unfamiliar young woman.
“Commander Qi, I’m Xu’s assistant, Zhong Qin. She should have mentioned me.”
He lowered his eyes. “Why isn’t Xu answering herself?”
The bond between mother and son was extremely distant. Xu SuYue’s assistant was used to it and didn’t react to the title.
“Xu is observing experimental specimens and can’t step away. You can tell me your matter; I’ll relay it to her.”
Again!
Though he had long known he mattered less than a bunch of plants, Qi Huaiye felt the situation unbearably ironic. He said coldly and seriously, “Tell her immediately. This is important. She must answer the phone now.”
There was a pause. “Okay, please wait.”
Another five minutes passed as Xu SuYue seemed embroiled in an academic debate. When she finally picked up, she sounded frazzled.
Rubbing her temples, she asked tiredly, “Qi Huaiye, what’s so urgent that you must have me answer now?”
Her words were like a bucket of cold water, washing away the last trace of warmth in Qi Huaiye’s heart.
“You arranged a childhood engagement for me in Huai County, didn’t you?”
“Mm…”
Satisfied, Qi Huaiye hung up the phone.