“Huaiye.”
Suddenly, someone called him from outside.
Qi Huaiye responded and turned to go out.
Watching the slightly disheveled steps of the man, Jiang Lai’s lips curved faintly, and she lowered her head to continue organizing her luggage.
She didn’t have much.
Aside from two sets of new clothes, there were also two bolts of fabric she had bought with Ma Chunmiao while shopping—intended for making clothes or curtains later.
Other than that, there was just money and ration coupons.
Although she had spent quite a bit recently, she still had nearly 800 yuan, 12 meat coupons, 5 cloth coupons, and a stack of grain coupons.
In an era when even a single cent mattered, over six hundred yuan could sustain her for several years.
But that was only for basic living.
If she wanted to eat well and live comfortably, this money and these coupons were far from enough.
By the 1980s, with small businesses opening up or the possibility of investing in property, nothing could be done without capital.
So, one still needed work.
Even if she couldn’t get rich from property speculation, at least she could secure a stable job. Her retirement pension alone would be enough to live on.
Half a month ago, Jiang Lai had even been complaining about the taxes she paid going to square dancing.
Now that she had a chance, she wanted to make the most of it.
But work could wait; she had to think it through carefully.
She collected her scattered thoughts and carefully stored her money and coupons.
Next, she began organizing Qi Huaiye’s luggage, which was equally sparse. She placed his books and shoes to the side, hung his clothes on hangers, separating tops and bottoms neatly in the wardrobe.
This was where the difference became obvious.
All of the man’s clothes were either training uniforms or military attire. He only had one set of casual clothes—a classic white shirt with black trousers.
On the left side of the wardrobe were her colorful clothes.
Side by side, their clothing looked like a pairing of a beast and a beauty.
“Woof, woof!”
As if reading her thoughts, Thunderstorm barked twice beside her.
“You’re thinking the same thing?” Jiang Lai laughed: “Since Comrade Thunderstorm has such good taste, I’ve decided to reward you with a bath.”
The dog wagged its tail even more enthusiastically, as if afraid it might break it by accident.
“Woof, woof, woof!”
“Oh, Thunderstorm, you’re too dirty. Don’t lick me…”
Hearing the laughter from inside, Ma Chunmiao smiled: “You’re reserved, but your wife is lively. The two of you complement each other perfectly.”
“Mm.” Qi Huaiye nodded slightly.
Her words struck a chord. He also thought Jiang Lai’s personality was wonderful—everything about her was perfect. He just wondered if she would be able to tolerate him in the long run.
Thinking this, his mouth twitched slightly.
His aura grew colder.
Ma Chunmiao, however, misunderstood, assuming as the rumors said, that he had been forced into this marriage. She thought the wife would eventually be scared away by him.
Wait a minute.
Could Qi Huaiye really be thinking that?
Her expression darkened, and she tapped his arm with emphasis: “Although arranged marriages aren’t popular in the new era, we’re both soldiers. Whether in a small family or a large one, we must bear responsibility. Divorce? Don’t even think about it.”
Qi Huaiye raised his sharp brows: “Sister-in-law, I’ve never thought about divorce.”
Ma Chunmiao, knowing how seriously he took promises, relaxed slightly and pulled him to a spot further from the door, lowering her voice: “Discuss the bride price with your family. You can’t skimp on what’s due.”
Marrying Qi Huaiye was already a hardship; the formalities couldn’t be ignored.
Qi Huaiye hesitated: “Would a thousand yuan be enough?”
Ma Chunmiao: “……”
In these times, people were poor. Some households only had a few boards for a marriage bed. Pull the curtain, and it counted as married.
Better-off families might give two or three hundred yuan, which would be praised by neighbors.
So his “one thousand yuan” truly shocked Ma Chunmiao.
Since his promotion to regiment commander three years ago, his monthly salary was two hundred yuan. Saving a thousand yuan would take at least half a year.
It might be normal in the capital, but in Shenzhou City, it would stand out and draw the attention of the Red Committee. That would bring trouble, not blessings, to Jiang Lai.
Especially now, when simplicity and frugality were encouraged.
She carefully explained the reasoning to Qi Huaiye. Fortunately, he wasn’t stubborn and listened.
“It’s easiest to wash dogs in the yard during summer. Go buy a hose from the supply and marketing co-op. I’ll go in and see your wife.” Ma Chunmiao then stepped inside.
The house was neat and orderly, with a strong but not overwhelming scent of mugwort in the air.
“Woof, woof, woof…”
Sensing a stranger, Thunderstorm barked fiercely at the door.
“Thunderstorm.” Jiang Lai patted its back and rose to go outside, just as she saw Ma Chunmiao placing a basket on the table.
She hurried over, looping her arm affectionately through hers: “Sister-in-law, why did you bring things?”
Ma Chunmiao laughed and patted her hand: “By custom, we eat dumplings on the wedding day. I made two kinds: pork and green onion, and pork with pickled vegetables. Cook whichever you like.”
The pickled vegetable filling might be unusual for southerners, but it was thoughtful.
Jiang Lai was deeply moved: “Sister-in-law, you’re wonderful. If my mother could see this from heaven, she’d be at ease. Having a caring sister-in-law like you, I truly feel at home.”
This is what being at home feels like?
This child… was easily satisfied.
“Huaiye looks fierce and reserved, not the type to coddle you. Marrying him will be a hardship,” Ma Chunmiao patted Jiang Lai’s hand, her eyes full of concern.
Looking at her delicate, soft appearance, with features rare for northern girls, it was understandable.
When she spoke, her large, watery eyes were attentive and trusting. Her dimples made her smile even sweeter.
Who wouldn’t treasure such a gentle, soft young woman?
But fate had been cruel—her match was this notorious hothead from the base.
Jiang Lai didn’t understand why Ma Chunmiao said that, but smiled shyly: “Huaiye is thoughtful and attentive, and he has a warm heart. I don’t feel wronged marrying him.”
“……”
Ma Chunmiao paused.
Thoughtful and warm-hearted? Those words didn’t seem to fit Qi Huaiye at all.
During the last military competition, a female reporter from the city fell into a ditch. Qi Huaiye threw down a rope, letting her climb up herself.
At the New Year military social, a female soldier in heels almost fell down the training steps. Qi Huaiye reacted quickly, avoiding her precisely.
…
There were countless such incidents. Ma Chunmiao firmly believed some people were born solitary.
So she took Jiang Lai’s words as a young girl cleverly trying to praise her husband.
She felt both gratified and protective, warning: “Anyway, if Huaiye does something foolish and you suffer, don’t endure it silently. Sister-in-law will stand up for you.”
Her words were sincere.
The two of them chatted privately for a while. Ma Chunmiao looked outside, saw Qi Huaiye hadn’t returned, and finally brought up the last purpose of her visit today.